William G. "Bill" Mason

William's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

William G. "Bill" Mason passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, at his home in Olathe, Kansas. Bill is finally reunited with the love of his life, Betty Mason, in the embrace of the Almighty.

Bill was born on December 12, 1933, in Pea Ridge, Arkansas to William Aaron and Rosa Lee (Ammons) Mason. Bill grew up in the Ozarks, working with his family on the chicken farm, playing football, and racing cars in his spare time. At 13 years old, Bill gave his life to Christ and kept the steadfast faith throughout his 90 years of life. In his adolescence he met Betty Miller, the prettiest woman he'd ever seen. They would go on to marry after getting a loan for $100 for the ceremony shortly after he turned 18. Bill and Betty moved to Wichita where he started as a custodian with KG&E, the Electric Company, worked his way up to meter reader and quickly got into sales and management for the company. Wayne and Cristie were welcomed into the family while still in Wichita. KG&E eventually lead them to Independence, Kansas where he and Betty welcomed Kim to complete their family. Bill never stopped moving as he was deeply involved in scouting adventures, baseball coaching, church events, and youth ministry throughout his children's lives.

Bill excelled in his work for KG&E and his work in the community. Over the years he was involved in recruiting new industry in Kansas and serving in various positions in the service clubs he joined, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Elks. He also served as Generalissimo of Neewollah in Independence.

In 1977, Bill took a position with KG&E in El Dorado, Kansas. A new community brought new opportunities for Bill to serve. Bill continued to be a staple of the community as he worked to help bring industry to Butler County. Bill continued to nurture, not just his family, but families throughout the El Dorado community. Bill and Betty became involved in the First Baptist Church where they attended for over 40 years. Bill was active with the youth at First Baptist, mentoring many in his and Betty's home as well as through Camp Galilee. At Camp Galilee, Bill would earn the nickname "Wild Bill" for his boat driving antics. His gentle soul also helped bring hundreds of kids to Christ.

When Bill retired from KG&E and at the urging of his community, he ran for State Legislator for the 75th District, representing Butler County. Bill proudly served his community in Topeka from 1992 until he retired in 2004. Bill was guided by what he thought was right and made many friends at the state and federal level. Even while serving at the statehouse, Bill continued to mentor both kids and adults alike. Many would sit in his living room seeking wisdom and Bill was eager to offer it. Bill once said, "If better is possible, then good is not enough." Never one to sit still, and absolutely one to walk the walk, Bill continued to do better to make his community and those around him the best they could be.

In 1999, Bill and his good friend Howard Cool founded the Celebration of Freedom. This organization paid tribute to veterans during a week in November every year in El Dorado. The Celebration of Freedom parade was the largest Veteran's Day parade in the state and the organization also raised funds for a memorial statue on the Butler County Historic Courthouse lawn.

While always a busy man, Bill never failed in his obligation to his wife and children. Bill was thrilled when his first grandchild was born in 1982, and he earned a new name; Pappa. Seven more grandchildren would follow. As stretched as one could imagine, Bill still made time to show up for sports, concerts, and competitions and was a fixture in the crowd. Vacations, sleep- overs, holidays, and sporting events filled Bill's schedule, and he relished every opportunity to have the family together. In 2000 Bill welcomed his first great grandchild. He would see 12 more. Bill then met his first great-great grandchild in 2022. Bill held his family close to his heart and was always quick to shoot them a little wink when they would show up for a visit.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Rosa Lee Mason, brothers Forrest and Clarence Mason, wife Betty, and daughter in law Melanie Mason. Bill is survived by his son Wayne (Brenda) Mason, daughter Cristie (Steve) Roberts, daughter Kim (Tim) Kaufman, eight grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Bill had an amazing life full of awards, accolades, and recognition. However, in his last days he was asked what he was most proud of. He simply said, "Well, I raised three kids." His family is sad that he's gone, and we'll miss the wit and wisdom of Bill, but he was very intentional about the way he lived his life, and we are at peace as we know he has finally arrived home with his heavenly father. We are proud of his constant service to others and the way he lived his life, but to us, he was Dad and Pappa and the beacon of love to our family.

We'll miss you Wild Bill and until we meet again, "Keep 'er 'tween the fence posts."

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Camp Scholarship, El Dorado, Kansas.

To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.