Ben Mason Sr.

Ben L. Mason Sr., 89, of Red Bank, died Thursday evening, Jan. 23, 2014, in a local nursing facility. He served under General George Patton as a combat engineer during World War II. He was a retired building contractor in Chattanooga. As a believer in Jesus Christ, he served both as deacon and elder, as well as building manager, at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. He served on the World Missions board at First Presbyterian Church and led several mission trips to Romania, France, Mexico and Haiti to work on construction projects. He also worked at TEEN missions in Merritt Island, Fla., teaching basic building techniques to teenagers seeking short-term mission opportunities. He dedicated his life to serving God, his country and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alexander Mason and Nettie Irwin Mason; brothers, James Raymond Mason and George Monroe Mason; sisters, Rachel Roach and Edna Adams. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Velma Perry Mason; son, Ben L. (Sue) Mason; grandsons, David (Megan) Mason, Jonathan (Chelsey) Mason and Cody Mason. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today, Jan. 24, at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace and 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. at the church with Rev. Chris Ehlers officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons and elders of First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Changed Live, Box 100, Chattanooga, TN 37401, or World Missions, First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.