J.E. "Slim" Mason

J. E. “Slim” Mason passed away Monday, January 21, 2013 at the age of 74. Slim was born March 11, 1938 in Olney, TX to William Thomas and Beatrice Sparkman Mason. He graduated in 1956 from Walters High School in OK and attended Wayland College in Plainview, TX where he played basketball. He started his career as a salesman for Mead Foods and worked his way up through the ranks where he became the youngest President of Bunny Bread in Albuquerque at age 29. He excelled at taking struggling commercial bakeries and making them profitable. In 1979, he moved to Midland and began a career in commercial construction where he was able to use his management skills to run and start several companies including Harris Acoustics, Mason Supply, Joyce Builders and Family RV. As a family owned construction company he ran his business on the same principles which he lived his life; faith, integrity, discipline and honor. While he enjoyed the challenges of the construction industry, nothing brought him more joy than his family and his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was happiest when his entire family would get together for meals and holidays. His family will cherish their memories and truly miss his love and support for his family. He was an avid football fan and loved his Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Slim was a very special man and friend to many people. He was always there to listen and help those in need. He was a member of Mission Dorado Baptist Church since 1998 where he served as music minister for many of those years. He was an amazing soloist who loved southern gospel quartet music. He was an exceptional bass singer with beautiful, clear tones and was often called upon to sing for special events. He loved singing with his family quartet, the “Mason Family Singers”.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Peggy. He is also survived by his children, Tanna Michaels and husband Rick of Girard, OH, Michael Mason and wife Nancy of Midland, TX, John Mason and his wife Phyllis of Midland, TX and Teresa Schley and her husband Bryan of Amarillo, TX. He is survived by 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Serving as Pallbearers are his grandsons Michael Scott Mason, Justin Smith, John Allen Mason, Adam Klauss, Robert Fowler, Matthew and Joseph Schley and Lt Cmdr Allyn Uttecht.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 between the hours of 6:00pm-8:00pm at Ellis Funeral Home. A funeral service has been scheduled for Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 9:00a.m. at Bellview Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Slim and carry on his legacy by suggesting memorials be made to the Mission Dorado Baptist Church Building Fund.

These are the words to his favorite song: He’s my Lord. There is no other one. Who can calm the storms of life like my Lord. He gives rest to the weary, gives new life to the hopeless there’s no doubt about it He’s my Lord. His favorite scripture is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.