Lee R. Mason died June 9, 2015 at Mercy Hospital after suffering complications of chronic heart and kidney disease. His life partner, wife Ann Mason, preceded him in death in 2009. The son of Lee Roy and Dorothy Mason, Lee was born in Whittier, CA in 1925 and moved to Springfield when he was 6 years old. He held a deep love and respect for the funeral business since the age of 16. This love led Lee and Ann to open Mason Chapel and Mortuary, Joplin, MO, in 1961. Anyone who knew Lee knew this and were always amused at the many stories he had to tell. He retired in 1988 and moved to Springfield. Lee had many friends in both Springfield and Joplin and was faithful to his Church and to daily exercising at Mercy and Cox facilities. Carol and Victor would like to thank the many people at his church and exercise facilities for the love, care and friendships they shared with him. They want also to extend deeply held thanks to Lee's physicians: Dr. Devara Reddy, MD, Dr. Murali Vuda, Dr. Volare Yantis, MD and Dr. Gene Schoonmaker, MD; and the Mercy Cardia 4B staff who cared for Lee over the past 2 weeks. His only child, Dr. Carol Matthews, DNP and her husband Dr. Victor Matthews of Springfield, survive Lee. He was very proud of his two grandsons and their wives and children: Peter and Lexi Matthews of Memphis, TN and Sam and Emily Matthews with their twin sons, Rush and Mason of Houston, TX. His sister-in-law, Jo Wilhoit and her two children of Springfield also survive Lee. Of special importance is his cat Pumpkin, who gave him many, many hours of love and joy and who will miss him dearly. Lee will be remembered in services held Saturday, June 13, 2015 in St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield. Father David Kendrick will preside over the funeral liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Hazelwood Cemetery will follow the service. There will then be a luncheon at the church held for family and friends provided by St. John's Shepherd's group. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Choral Scholars Fund of St. John's Episcopal Church, 515 East Division, Springfield, MO 65803. No visitation is planned, but respects may be paid at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home any time after 1:00 p.m. Friday.