Rodney Mason, age 84, of Terre Haute, Indiana, left this world peacefully on September 9, 2026, following a short illness. He passed away at Community Hospital South with his family close by.

Rodney was born on November 9, 1941, in Marshall, Illinois, to Linzy and Bessie Mason (nee Persinger).

He is survived by his children: Amy Harden (John), Twila Davis (Troy), Eric Mason (Dee), Michael Mason (Brendell), and Jeffrey Mason (Amanda); his 19 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; his trusted four-legged companion, Patches; along with countless other family members who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, to whom he was married for 58 years; his parents; his infant son, Rodney Jr.; and his nine siblings: Helen, Linzy Jr. (Bud), Maxine, Charlotte, Durham, Sarah, Jacob, Iantha, and Christine.

Rodney was an Army veteran who served a total of 34 years between active duty and the Indiana Army National Guard. He was a Vietnam veteran who spent 16 months in-country where he earned his Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972 and was also a member of both the American Legion and the 40&8.

Rodney faced many challenges in life, but he never allowed them to dull his shine or break his spirit. He was a very social person who rarely met a stranger—and if he did, he probably bought them a drink. He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing along with the greats. If you walked into his house and a Western wasn't playing on the television, it likely wasn't turned on, as those were his favorite.

Rodney would never want anyone to shed a tear at his passing. He managed to wring every single drop out of life and lived it exactly the way he wanted. He met and married the girl of his dreams, spending 58 years by her side and raising five children he was immensely proud of. So instead of shedding a tear, please raise a glass in celebration of a life well lived.

According to Rodney’s wishes, he chose cremation in lieu of a funeral service. Instead, a celebration of life will be held around his birthday in November, where all family and friends will be welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

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