MASON FAMILY

Urban was the son of Sarah Rose Osgood and Thomas Jefferson Mason, born, raised, and lived most of his life in Clarke County, Iowa, He enlisted in the United States Army, at Camp Kearney, September 25, 1917, at age 28. Urban was assigned to 1st Squad Cal. Cav, Hqrs. Troop 40th Div. He was listed as a Grade Wagoner when he received an Honorable Discharge at Camp Kearney, California on April 25, 1919.

Urb married Clara Hagan and became the parents of Vivian, Doris, Marcella, Robert "Butch," and Alfred "Junior". His sons and three grandsons continued the military tradition. He passed away in 1979.

Alfred Junior Mason, son of Clara Hagan and Urban Mason was born and raised in Clarke County, Iowa.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served until February 19, 1953. Al served on the USS Arcadia, home port, Detroit, Michigan and patrolled the Great Lakes; he also served on the USS Winebeggo, home port, Honolulu, Hawaii and patrolled the Pacific Ocean.

A short time later, April 1, 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged April 1, 1957. Al received his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Other bases where he was stationed included, Amarillo, Texas; Biloxi, Mississippi; Washington, D.C.; Windsor and Liverpool, England.

Al was united in marriage to Bessie Stark. They lived many years in California and Texas before returning to Osceola. Bessie passed away a few years ago, Al continues to live in Osceola.

ROBERT "BUTCH" SANFORD MASON

Robert "Butch" Mason, son of Clara and Urban Mason, graduated from Osceola High School in 1947, and attended Simpson College at Indianola. In 1950, he decided to enlist in the Army, and was inducted on November 9 of that year. This was the time of the Korean War and lots of young men were being inducted. Most of his days of service were spent in Korea.

According to his discharge papers, Butch was classified Munitions Handler, 5th Army Area ERC Infantry, and received the following decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, Occupation Medal Japan, United Nations Service Medal, and a Purple Heart (he was

wounded twice, the first time, he returned to the front; the second time, 10-6-1951 at Chowsan, North Korea, his back, leg and shoulder and were seriously injured by shrapnel. He was sent Walter Reed Hospital requiring a shoulder replacement. His most significant assignment, Co. H 8th Cav Regt APO 201 1st Cav Div.

Butch received an honorable discharge from the Army, October 8, 1952, at Camp Carson, Colorado.

Butch returned to Simpson after his discharge and continued to play a game he loved, football. He received a degree in education, taught and coached for many years before returning to Osceola to teach and coach. Later, he received a Masters Degree in Administration from Drake University and was principal at Clarke Community Schools until he retired in 1990,

Butch married Louise Hembry Martley, February 20, 1971, Their family consisted of four children: Dennis and Robert "Bobby" E. Mason, and Debra and Dan Martley, Butch passed away on his birthday, February 20, 1999.

 

 

DENNIS LEE MASON

Dennis is the son of Louise and Robert S. Mason, and Mary Butcher. He graduated from Clarke Community Schools and Graceland University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Rangers and later joined the U.S. Army Special Forces. For most of his career Dennis was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and served all over the world as missions demanded, including the Gulf War. He retired after twenty years,

Dennis has two children, Jennifer and Gary. At the present time, Dennis and his wife, Donna, live in Sanford, North Carolina, Jennifer and husband, Steve Roberts and daughter, Kassie, also live in Sanford. He is the grandson of Clara and Urban Mason, and Hazel and Lyle Hembry.

ROBERT EUGENE MASON

Robert "Bobby" Mason is the son of Louise and Robert S. Mason, and Mary Butcher. Bobby attended Southwestern Community College, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Some of the places he served include: Two terms in England; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Charleston, North Carolina; and Arlington, Texas. He retired after twenty years and lives in Osceola.

Robert married Sandra Gates, They are the parents of two sons, Robert "Bobby" and Matthew. Matthew attends Clarke Community Schools and Bobby graduated a year ago. Robert Eugene is the grandson of Clara and Urban Mason and Hazel and Lyle Hembry.

 

DANNY LEE MARTLEY

Dan is the son of Louise and Robert Mason, and Daniel Forrest Martley. He attended Clarke Community Schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January, 1975. He was discharged in January, 1979. Dan served in the Reserve until 1983, He received training at San Diego, California and Memphis, Tennesee. After training he was stationed at San Diego maintaining and repairing Navy heliocopters,

He married Louisa Rushing (who was also in the U.S. Navy from December 1973 to June 1977) The were the parents of three daughters, Jessica, Katie, and Nicky. They returned to Iowa, lived in Osceola for several years, then Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Dan currently lives and works in Davenport. He is the grandson of the late Hazel and Lyle Hembry, Peggy and Lee Martley, and Clara and Urban Mason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return to main page for Clarke Veterans by Fern Underwood

Last Revised June 7, 2015