Donald O. Mason

Donald Oscar Mason was born on November 26, 1948, in Wendell, Idaho, to Oscar Asa and Nora Ruth (Jasper) Mason. He was the third of four children and the only son, growing up alongside his sisters Carol, Deloris, and Donna.

The Mason family lived in several places including Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon, before settling in Jerome, Idaho, to be near extended family when their father, Oscar, was medically discharged from the United States Army.

From a young age, Don developed a deep love for cars, especially powerful ones. His favorites included his Dodge Charger, Dodge Polara, Plymouth GTX, and his trusty Dodge pickup.

Education was important to Don. He earned the first of three degrees from the College of Southern Idaho in 1970, receiving an Associate of Arts degree.

While working at Tupperware, Don met Charlene Jones, and the two quickly fell in love. On December 7, 1975, they were married in Jerome, Idaho. Charlene brought a son, Joseph (age 9), to this union, and together they built a loving home on East Avenue D in Jerome. Charlene passed away on September 27, 1977, leaving Don and Joseph to lean on one another as they navigated their grief.

Don continued his education, earning an Associate of Science degree from the College of Southern Idaho in 1980, followed by a Bachelor of Business Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello in 1983. He went on to work for several companies throughout the Magic Valley, including Tupperware, Universal Frozen Foods, and Jerome Cheese. Early in his career, his employment allowed him to travel to the East Coast, Canada, and Brazil before he later retired due to his illness with multiple sclerosis.

Don loved taking long road trips, whether on his motorcycle or in his Plymouth GTX. On one occasion, he took Joseph and his nephew to Yellowstone when they were young children. Another time, Don and Joseph traveled together on his road bike to the Oregon coast. In the winter months, he could often be found doing playful 360s in Jerome parking lots, enjoying the thrill of the season while also teaching the younger generation valuable lessons.

In 1989, Don married Barbara Mann, who brought a daughter, April Mann, into his life, and Don proudly became a stepfather once again. Don and Barbara later divorced.

Some of Don’s other great enjoyments included participating in the Tupperware golf league and being part of a family bowling team with his father, Oscar, and his brother-in-law, Pete.

Don loved collecting many things: trains, toys, coins, and stamps, but trains were his greatest passion. Anyone flipping through his photo albums might expect to find family pictures but instead would discover countless photos of locomotives. He spent many happy hours in his basement building intricate train sets and could often be found at railroad crossings, simply watching the trains roll by.

Once you formed a friendship with Don, it was a bond that lasted a lifetime. He was always willing to lend a hand, and through his family and the many relationships he built over the years, he quietly helped shape countless lives.

If asked what he loved most about being a stepfather, Don would answer without hesitation: the grandchildren and later, the great-grandchildren, he was blessed with. He treasured talking about Melody and Alexis and their children, sharing stories about Chance, and delighting in the joy his daughters found in the Sour Patch Kids he always kept on hand for their visits.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlene (Jones) Mason; his parents, Nora and Oscar Mason; his second wife, Barbara Mann; his sisters, Carol Hamilton and Deloris Daniell; his brother-in-law, Pete Daniell; and his nephews, Joseph Melugin and Thomas Doramus.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Glenn; his stepchildren, Joseph (DeAnna) Jones of Oregon and April Strain of Twin Falls; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Donald Oscar Mason passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at Bridgeview in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he had been cared for by the loving staff for the past ten years. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, with a viewing beginning at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 13, 2026 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome. Burial will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Don’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.