SSG (Ret) Manuel Joseph Mason

Manuel Joseph Mason passed away on Tuesday February 20, 2024 in Columbus, Georgia at age 99, just a few months shy of his 100th Birthday. Visitation will be held 9am at Striffler Hamby on Macon Road in Columbus Georgia on Monday February 26, 2024, Service at 10am, followed by a reception.

Manuel is predeceased by his beloved wife Catherine Mason (nee Ganey). He is survived by his daughter Barbara (Wayne, deceased), daughter-in-law Sandra Mason (Michael, deceased), grandchildren Rebecca Wood (Oliver), Brian Evans (Gina), and Andy Evans (Sarah Trimble), great grandchildren Kieran Wood, Levon Wood, Dhavid Evans, Brianna Evans, and Abby Evans, one sister, Elizabeth Rhodes (Thomas, deceased), and multitudinous nieces and nephews.

Manuel was born in Stevensville, Louisiana to Cleveland Paul and Rita Hymel Mason. He and his 6 siblings were raised on a houseboat in the Atchafalaya River basin. He worked before school with his sisters in the shrimp and crab factories, picked Spanish Moss to sell to the mattress makers, and learned to drive on the job when a bread truck delivery man quit suddenly. As a young man, he joined the army for 2 years, then worked on dredge boats.

While out honky-tonkin, he met the love of his life, Catherine, and they were married November 13, 1947. They raised 2 children, Barbara and Michael, while Manuel served a second stint in the US Army. He retired as Staff Sergeant E6, then worked Civil Service until a second retirement and was awarded high honors for performance.

Anyone who met Manuel would say that he was full of life, joy, and charm. He always had a kind word and a smile (some might even say he was a flirt!). He never met a stranger and anybody who had the pleasure of his acquaintance was better for it. He was very active in his church and reflected his beliefs in every interaction and personal decision, which made him shine even brighter. Manuel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.