Roderick "Rod" Mason

Roderick “Rod” Mason was born on June 7, 1931 in Camden, Illinois to Roger G and Pauline (Lawson) Mason. To continue the farming occupation the family moved to Macomb in 1933 and founded Mason Farms Dairy.  Rod helped milk cows, assisted with the pasteurization of milk and delivered milk to a large customer base. As the Dairy business grew, a new dairy building was built at 519 W. Carroll Street in Macomb (Culligan Water Conditioning) and operated through 1952.

Upon graduating from Macomb High School, Rod attended Western Illinois University.  In 1952 he joined the United States Marine Corp. Corporal Rod Mason served as a Field Radio Operator for the First Marine Division during the Korean War until February of 1954. 

Upon returning to the states, Rod was trained and started his career in typewriter repair with a concentration of IBM machines. He worked for Stuarts Office Equipment and Macomb Office Equipment until accepting a position at Western Illinois University in 1970 as the Supervisor of Office Supplies and serviced typewriters on the WIU campus until retiring in 1991.  Rod continued to service typewriters for high school business classes, county offices and businesses for over 60 years.  Rod was known around the community as the “typewriter man”. A passion of turf grew into a second business in 1983 called Professional Lawn Care which operated until 1996.

Rod was introduced to Judy Britton from Blandinsville on a blind date and were married on May 29, 1955 in Blandinsville, Illinois and recently celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary. Rod and Judy moved to Colchester in 1958 where they raised their children Renea and Rory.  

Rod lead a full and wonderful life which was evidenced by a long-lasting marriage to his wife Judy (aka JJ) and a close family. He always had a smile and enjoyed talking with people, especially when asked questions about turf. He enjoyed raising his children, visits from the grandchildren and watching three generations learn how to swim in the backyard swimming pool. Rod was a life member of the Macomb VFW, a 52 Year Charter Member of the Macomb Prairieland Barbershop Chorus, member of the Colchester United Methodist Church and the Macomb American Legion.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his wife Judy (Britton) Mason, daughter Renea (Stanley) Creasy and son Rory (Jolene) Mason. Grandchildren Shane (Melissa) Creasy, Shalee (Tim) Painter, Tyler (Raquel) Mason, Kyle Mason, Brytton (fiancé Danielle VanWinkle) Mason. Greatgrandchildren Samantha Creasy, Kyndel Painter, Eli Westwater, Kataleya Mason. Rod was proceeded in death by his father Roger G. Mason, mother Eva Pauline (Lawson) Mason, sister Margie (Mason) Melchers, brother-in-law Ernie Melchers, nephew Mark Melchers and brother-in-law Larry Waggoner.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 7, 2021, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, with Rev. Jim Clayton.  Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester with Rev. Lee Unger, and with military rites by the Macomb V.F.W. and Macomb American Legion.  Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Sunday.  Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are to Colchester United Methodist Church, Macomb V.F.W. or Colchester Rescue Squad.  Online condolence may be expressed to the family at www.jonesmortuaryfh.com.

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