Samuel Mason

Samuel J. Mason, 65, of Tucson, AZ and formerly of Traer, IA, passed away October 9, 2024, from a heart attack. A celebration of life and faith is being held November 16 at the Life Bible Fellowship Church in Tucson, AZ. A private memorial will be held at a later date in Iowa.

Sam was born March 25, 1959, in Waterloo, IA, to James and Orleene (Dixon) Mason, of rural Traer. He attended North Tama School District and graduated in 1977. From there he attended Iowa State University for a short period of time and then went on to graduate from Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo. In 1980, he received a degree in Police Science and was deputy sheriff in Buchanan County in Iowa. In 1996, he attended Upper Iowa University and received a BA in education with an emphasis in psychology and sociology. He taught and coached in the Waterloo Community School till 2011. During this time, Sam suffered a life changing complication to surgery and ended up with bilateral below the knee amputations. Despite his handicap he continued teaching and in 2012 moved to Tucson, AZ and continued substitute teaching in the area school districts where he was currently working. Sam did spend a short time in Murfreesboro, TN, also as a substitute teacher in 2021.

Sam leaves behind a wife, Teresa; a son, Shaye, of Independence, Iowa; a daughter, Sammi, of Cedar Falls, Iowa and 9 grandchildren. His surviving siblings include: Ron (Marsha) Mason, of Traer, IA; Cheryl Dahlstrom, of Tripoli, IA; Lynda Robinson, of Dysart, IA; Kerryn (Tom) Hilliard, of Alamogordo, NM; Mark (Eden) Mason, of Traer, IA; Joyce (Gerhard) Mason-Monheim, of Tucson, AZ; Janice (Mark) Zeller, of Ottumwa, IA; DeVonne (George) Harford, of Traer, IA and many nieces and nephews. H is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Estle Mason and Rick Mason, Brother-in-laws Keith Dahlstrom and Dean Robinson. Honor Sam by donating to your favorite charity or non-profit organization.