Bennie Mason

Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Hermosa Drive Church of Christ, 13th and Hermosa, for Bennie June Mason, 512 Vogel Road, Artesia, New Mexico. PVisitation will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3 at Terpening amp; Son Mortuary PPallbearers are his grandsons Kevin Wilbanks, Tommy Chaney, Bryan Madrid, Glenn Mason and Clay Mason and his nephew, Robert Hodges. PAfter a brief illness, in the early morning of March 1, 2006, surrounded by his family, Bennie June Bennie Mason quietly and peacefully went to be with his Lord. PMason was born almost 80 years ago on March 30, 1926 to Ben and Edna Mason in Hagerman, New Mexico. PAs a young man, he grew up on a ranch in Texas. In order to complete high school, he moved to Artesia to live with his grandparents who owned a shoe repair store named Oscars Boot and Shoe Repair. It was not long before Mason was not only doing repairs but selling everything from handmade boots to belts to ladies purses and saddles. POn August 24, 1946, he married Mildred Lucille Harrell in Artesia, New Mexico. Bennie and Mildred were the proud parents of Beverly June Wilbanks whose husband is Jerry Wilbanks and Jimmy Glenn Mason whose wife is Bunny Mason. PIn 1947, Mason opened the doors of Bennies Western Wear at 411 West Main in Artesia. Friendly and quality service was always his motto, treating all of those that entered his store with a big smile and a warm greeting. In 1961, Mason built the building that proudly bears his name at 205 West Main. Masons family and his store were his life, his greatest blessings. His family included his past and present employees. PMason was an employer, a mentor and a friend to many, many people along his journey. It is safe to say that many people, including his family, learned valuable lessons from Mason as he was a dedicated man with high standards for what it took to enjoy life and run a successful business. His God, his Church, his family, his friends, his business and his town were his life. PMason was a lifelong member of Hermosa Drive Church of Christ, being one of the charter members. PIn addition to his children, Mason had six grandchildren he was equally proud of. His grandchildren are Kevin Wilbanks and his wife Laurie, Shanna Chaney and her husband Tommy, Rhonda Madrid and husband Bryan, Glenn Mason and his wife Kristy, Audra Mason and Clay Mason. Masons great grandchildren are Derrick Wilbanks, Callie Wilbanks, Erin Chaney, Caleb Chaney, Bryan Madrid and Dominic Madrid. PMason is also survived by one sister, Bettye Hodges of Artesia, New Mexico and one brother, Boyd Mason of Stevensville, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bob, Bill and Barry, and a niece, Janie Hodges. PThe family requests that memorial contributions be made to New Mexico Christian Childrens Home, 1356 NM Hwy 236, Portales,NM 88130-9411http:www.nmcch.org; or any childrens organization.
Services are under the direction of Terpening amp; Son Mortuary.