Clyde L. Mason, 85, of Columbia 

Clyde L. Mason of the Columbia area, passed away on Saturday April 4. 2026 at the age of 85.  Clyde was born at home in rural Fayette County on October 14, 1940, the son of Lloyd Cecil Mason and Virginia A. Jones Mason.  

Graduating in 1960 from Connersville High School, he furthered his education at Purdue University, attaining a bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1964. After graduating from Purdue, Clyde went to work as a Landscape Architect for the Indiana Department of Transportation, retiring after 44 years of service.  He had won many achievement awards from the State of Indiana, and he was most proud of the Turney Hernadez Award in Excellence he received from the National Roadside Vegetation Management Association for the work he did while employed with Indiana Department of Transportation.

Clyde also worked for Connersville Lumber Company, served as Fayette County Surveyor and most recently was co-owner/operator of Mason Slagle  Christmas Tree Farm.

 On May 5, 1965, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former, Betty Schocke.  They share close to 61 years of marriage prior to his death and were blessed with two children.

At the age of 10, Clyde developed Polio.  He was a funny and wonderful example to all, showing just what a handicapped person can accomplish.  He did not let his disability stop him.  He enjoyed working on his computer, going to tractor shows, auctions or relaxing while fishing.  He loved history, especially the Civil War, WWI and WWII.  He also enjoyed attending the monthly roundtable meeting at the Fayette County Historical Museum. Together with Betty, they traveled to all the states except for Hawaii.

Clyde loved his family deeply and he will be missed by his wife, Betty; son Joe (Marie) Mason; grandchildren, Samantha (Brad Knochelmann) Mason, Paige (Jailen Hundley) Mason, Amanda Mason and Molly Mason; and great grandchildren, Abrielle Maggard, Dorothie Lange, Ezekiel Lange, and Evie Hundley.  His memories will be cherished by his siblings, Monty Mason Anita Kendall, and Martha Mason, sister-in-law, Kathy Mason, as well as many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son David Mason, grandson, Easton Maggard, brother, Brad Mason, sister-in-law Linda Mason and brother-in-law Andy Kendall.

Clyde will be missed by all that loved and knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Columbia Church.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home. 513 W 8th Street Connersville, Friday April 10, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm.  Burial will take place at Dale Cemetery.