Willard Allen Mason, 82, of Marblehead died in his home April 30, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeralyn B. (Hughes) Mason of Marblehead.



Born in St. Louis on July 12, 1919, he was the son of the late Willard A. and Lucille (Paterson) Mason.



Mr. Mason attended Northeastern University before entering the Army Air Corps cadet program on Jan. 22, 1942. He built his career within the Air Force and, after 21 years of service, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. During his career, Mr. Mason served in World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Clusters. He was stationed in Korea from 1957 to 1958.



In addition to his wife, he leaves four daughters, Jill Mason of Winooski, Vt., Linda Mason-Smith of Andover, Kathy Lindsey of Middlebury, Vt., and Julie Lacey of Ayer; one sister, Janet Cox of Worcester; four grandchildren, Andrew Gordon Lindsey, Amy Smith Lieb, Bridget Tara Devine and Gordon Mason Lacey; and five nieces and nephews.



A memorial service will be held Friday, May 10, at 2 p.m., in the Arland Dirlam Memorial Chapel at Waterside Cemetery, West Shore Drive, Marblehead. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eustis-Cornell Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman and Sons, 142 Elm St., Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923.



(Published Thursday, May 9, 2002 in the Marblehead Reporter)