Clarence Edward Mason was born May 1, 1930 to Orrin and Myrtle (Parish) Mason in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1948 and went on to serve his country in the US Air Force in December of 1951. On May 25, 1953 Clarence was united in marriage to Bettye Allen in Amarillo, TX. After his honorable discharge from the service in December of 1955, they returned to Platte to raise their family and begin a career in farming. In 1995 he was awarded Seed Stock Producer of the Year and was named the Charolais Family of the Year for 2015.
Active in the Platte community, Clarence was a member of Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115 and Olive Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder; as well as being a 60 year member of Doric Masonic Lodge #93. He also served on the Boards of the Lake Platte Golf Club and Platte Health Center. Clarence enjoyed golfing, playing cards, traveling and attending Platte-Geddes Black Panther sporting events.
Clarence E. Mason, 85 of Platte, SD passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Plattee Care Center Avera.
Grateful for having shared in Clarence's life: his wife of over 62 years, Bettye Mason of Platte, SD; three children: Pamela Mason of Dallas, TX, Patricia (Lonnie) Tutsch of New Underwood, SD and David Mason of Platte, SD; two granddaughters: Courtney (Lyndon) Devries of Platte, SD and Erin (Lynn) Walstad of Platte, SD; four great grandchildren: Kallie, Addison, Will and Bria Walstad; three brothers: Don Mason of Platte, SD, Ken Mason of Platte, SD and Lester Mason of Clinton, MO; two sisters: Alice Fischer of Ft. Collins, CO and Georgia Adolph of Flandreau, SD; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Clarence was preceded in death by: two sons: Randal Mason and James Mason; his parents, Orrin and Myrtle Mason; a brother, Vernon Mason; and a sister, Irene Lien.
