Thomas E. Mason, Jr.

Thomas E. Mason, Jr. joined Jesus in Heaven on Dec. 20, 2023. Born in Elwood on Nov. 28, 1947, Tom was a beloved son to Thomas “Tony” Mason Sr. and Mary Ann (Mongold) Mason; brother to Sharon Mason Stroup, Richard Mason, and Michael Mason; husband to Kate Ferguson Mason; step-father to Ryan Wilson and Ramsey Wilson; father-in-law and surrogate father to Christine Wilson; grandfather to Regan Wilson and Savannah Wilson; and friend to all.

Tom valued faith, family, friends, and freedom. He grew up in the Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy. During the Vietnam War, Tom served in the U.S. Navy. As the mailman to combat troops, he was a bright light during a dark period for many people.

In his youth, Tom was an athlete. He played basketball, football, and golf — but he cherished golf above all. His love of golf led to a degree in Turf Grass Management at Michigan State, and to a career as a golf course superintendent. After graduating, he worked as the golf course superintendent at Walnut Hills Golf Course in East Lansing, Michigan. From there, he moved to Birmingham Country Club in Birmingham, Michigan. For 30 years at BCC, his expertise, wisdom, and charm endeared him to members and management alike. He possessed an in-depth knowledge of trees and grasses and lectured audiences nationally on best practices in golf course management.

After retiring, Tom returned with Kate to Tipton in 2007. For the next 16 years, Tom worked with civic leaders to enrich the city and build a better future for its residents and businesses. A trusted advisor and consigliere to local officials, Tom helped launch the Farmer’s Market, spearheaded the funding and installation of more than 400 park benches, facilitated the tree project, and worked on the new jail. He was a champion of the Main Street Revitalization Project, which updated streetscapes and renovated facades downtown. He was also the Idea Man behind Tis the Season, bringing Santa Claus and his live reindeer to Tipton each December. Now in its eighth year, Tis the Season showcases local businesses and brings joy to hundreds of children and thousands of people annually.

This desire to enrich Tipton was emblematic of Tom’s outlook throughout his life. His motto was, “If I work hard to make other people successful, then I will be successful.” Tom invested deeply in those around him. He was a wise mentor, and a loyal, kind, and trustworthy friend. And he was a keen observer of systems and processes, pointing out potential improvements even in his last days.

As a procurement guru, Tom excelled at sourcing fine wines, cheeses, and other delicacies for friends and family. And he savored making soups and chilis to share with loved ones. His favorite meal was a filet mignon smothered in sautéed mushrooms.

Perhaps the most important characteristic of Tom was his faith. He loved the Lord, trusted in Him, and sought His guidance throughout his life. His family rejoices that Tom is now with his Creator and Savior in Heaven.

A memorial mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipton at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The family will receive visitors from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom’s memory to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund, 340 Mill Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Mason family in their time of need.