Charles Ray Mason

Charles Ray "Charlie" Mason, 76, of San Angelo, passed away on February 9, 2012. Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Deacon Andy Gonzalez officiating. Funeral services will be held at l0:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13 at St. Margaret's Church with Father Chinnapureddy Pagidela of St. Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Charlie Mason was born in San Angelo to William H. and Maybell Mason on July 25, 1935. He attended elementary school in San Angelo until the family moved to Colorado. Charlie graduated from high school and attended Colorado A&M in Ft. Collins. In 1955, he joined the Navy and served our country for four years. After his service, he joined his father in the cattle business, while starting a career in the rodeo circuit as a bull rider and later years in roping competitions. Charlie competed throughout the southwest from 1957 until retiring from the circuit in 1969. In 1967, while living in California, he met and married Rose Mendes. The couple moved back to Colorado and owned an egg ranch for nearly a decade. In 1979, the couple retired into the west Texas community of Grape Creek. Charlie worked for San Angelo State School until his retirement after twenty years. Throughout his life, Mr. Mason has received numerous accolades and respect among his peers in the rodeo world and for six decades was a proud PRCA ProRodeo member. Charlie Mason is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Rose. Charlie is survived by his sister Ida Herring of Brighton, Co., his nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved him very much. Pallbearers will be Bob Bruce, Charles Cotter, George DeWoif, Dale Hahn, Frank McCaleb, and Rick Naylor. Honorary pallbearers are Sammy Farmer and Tom Morrow of Brush, CO. The family of Mr. Mason wishes to extend a sincere thanks to Dr. Chang, Dr. Burger, Shannon Hospital 5th floor North and ICU. With a special thanks to his own "Charlie's Angels" Margaret Zamarron and Pearl Montano for their compassion and care during his illness.