Richard Tom Mason

Richard Mason (a.k.a. Tom/Cowboy) , 82, of Liberal, Kansas was called home on October 07, 2017 at Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Kansas. Richard "Tom" Mason, was born January 02, 1935, to the late Columbus Palmer and Ardella Horton Mason in Queen City, TX., and was raised there throughout his High School years in Lubbock, TX. Richard's life's journey began when he moved to Houston, TX, where he lived and attended Texas Southern University Law School for two years. In 1956 Richard married his first wife Temple Joyce Mason in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He later moved to Liberal, KS in 1960. Richard entered into matrimony with Eartha Mason of forty-six years on October 17, 1971. Richard fathered four children, Monique Mason-Kelley; Pepper Mason Caldwell; Tamara Michele Mason (deceased); Rita Denise Mason (deceased); and became a father figure to Lawrence and Jeffery Martin. Richard was the first African American to integrate his family into an all-white community and was also the first person of color to work for the Liberal Police Department for five years. After that Richard worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline where he retired after twenty-five years. Richard Tom Mason was known as a "Trailblazer" in our community. Richard was recognized for community involvement on March 13, 2002 . He was a part of "Leadership Focus on the Future." Last but not least Richard received the A.H. Smith Service Award on February 27, 2016. Richard was instrumental in the development of the following projects, Mahuron Park, Parklane Towers, and the beautification of the Southeast side of Liberal, KS. He spent his free time, relaxing, listening to music and driving through the neighborhood seeking ways to make things better for our people. Richard was instrumental in advocating for recruitment of African American teachers in our schools. This showed Richard's boldness and courage. This explains his protests against racism, inequality, and degradation of women, which, is believed to have been what led him towards the interests of Civil Rights Activist, Community Development and Politics. Additionally, Richard was enamored with the elections of President Barack Obama (first African American) President elected for two terms. Through it all, Richard kept a sense of humor, which, we cherish today. Richard lost his battle with life due to complications with heart disease. Richard was preceded in death by: Ardella Horton Mason (mother); Tamara Michele Mason & Rita Denise Mason(daughters); Johnnie, Willie, Columbus, & Wilford Joe Palmer (brothers); Elise & Gertrude (sisters). Richard is survived by his wife, Eartha Mason of 46 years (Liberal, KS); ;daughters, Monique Mason-Kelly of Pearland, TX., Pepper Mason Caldwell (Terry Caldwell) of Houston TX; sons Lawrence ( Tracey Martin) of Liberal, KS, Jeffrey Martin of Waianae, Hawaii; sisters, Noval Ann of Apple Valley, CA and Louise of San Diego, CA; host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and special thanks to Linda Kay Watley (niece) of Lubbock, TX. Viewing will be1:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, October 13, 2017, at Miller Mortuary . Funeral services will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the Bibleway Church of God In Christ in with Pastor Steven Bailem, officiating (Obituary Written by the Family) To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Tom Mason please visit our Sympathy Store.