Retired Master Sgt. Jack W "Hackie" Mason, 79, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020.
He was born July 20, 1941, in Midland, Michigan, the son of Milton Jasper and Mary Genevieve Mason. As a youth, Jack enjoyed Boy Scouts, reaching the rank of Life Scout. He spent his free time fishing and working.
Jack graduated from William Winlock Miller High School in Olympia, Washington in 1959. Before joining the Navy, he spent one semester in college and ran out of money. In the Navy, he served on the USS Hornet. Upon leaving the Navy Jack and his buddy Les Horner returned to Les's family home in Hutchinson, Kansas, where he worked for Cessna. He met Amber DeMoss and they were married on May 27, 1967, in Hutchinson.
In 1968, Jack and Amber moved to Topeka, Jack having joined the Air National Guard in 1967. He served in the 190th Air Refueling Wing for 31 years, including during the Vietnam War and both Desert Shield and Desert Storm, retiring as a senior master sergeant.
Jack was employed by the state of Kansas as a civil engineer for five years and later worked for Raytheon until his retirement.
Jack was a member of the 190th Pistol Team, the 190th Bowling Team and he enjoyed dart leagues in Topeka in his free time. He enjoyed bird watching and was a member of the Audubon Society.
Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Amber; children Jodi Cedarquist (Brad) of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, and her children Mason and Joseph; and Jack Mason (Kim) of Topeka and their daughter Haley; Karen Walker (Cliff) of Tyler, Texas, and her children Jeffrey and James; and siblings Mary, Scott, and Detlev Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jack enjoyed bowling, playing darts and going to auctions and antique car shows with his wife to show his 1966 Dodge Dart. He was an avid K-State fan.
Jack was cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 6700 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66619.