MASON, JR., William "Bill"

Published by Today's News Herald on Aug. 20, 2023 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - William "Bill" Mason, Jr., of Northridge, California, and Lake Havasu City, passed away on May 1, 2023, at the age of 84, with his wife and friends by his side. Bill was born on Aug. 24, 1938, in Fanning, Kansas, to William Howard and Katherine (Abbott) Mason. He grew up in Fanning and Highland, Kansas, and graduated from Highland High and Highland Community College. In 1962-1966, he served in the U.S. Air Force, completed courses at the Air Force Academy and was handpicked to repair and maintain the navigation systems on the B-52 bombers. In 1966, Bill began a 28-year career with IBM where he worked in several states across the country, advanced to a Regional Field Manager, and retired at age 55. Too young to play golf 24/7, Bill began a second career with Bell Atlantic and consulted with smaller tech companies until his final retirement in 2003. In 1995, Bill met Paula Preveau, married shortly thereafter, and celebrated their 27th anniversary on April 20, 2023. When Paula retired in 2013, they traveled the world and never looked back. Before Bill passed, he expressed that he "had nothing left to check off his bucket list". Bill enjoyed socializing with friends at the Elks, Eagles, VFW, and American Legion and spent quality time watching golf, football and a basketball (Pro and college), and his favorite, NASCAR. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Barbara Hartley, Mary Worley and Carol Kiefer; and his brothers Charles and Larry. Bill is survived by his wife Paula, son Stephen (from a previous marriage), and umpteen cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is planned for family and friends on Sept. 8, 2023 at the Lake Havasu Elks Lodge. Friends wishing to attend may telephone Paula at 818-324-6804 for details.