AMBOY — George W. Mason, 100, of Amboy, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born Oct. 23, 1923 in El Reno, Okla., the son of Elmer and Faye (Blagg) Mason.

George was a graduate of the class of 1943 at Amboy High School, the class of 1950 at Illinois State Normal University, and received his Master of Education Degree from the University of Illinois Champaign. He began his teaching career at Harmon and then at Central School in Amboy before becoming Principal at Central School for 15 years prior to retirement in 1984. George served in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was a member of the Lee Center Congregational United Church of Christ, Amboy American Legion Post, the Illinois Retired Teachers Assoc., Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame, and Amboy FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer. George was an avid gardener and shared the fruits of his labor with family, friends and strangers. He enjoyed fishing at Ultch's Bar U pond and Rock River, coaching in the community and at home, cheering as a Cubs and Bears fan, watching sports, playing basketball at ISU, reading history books and spending his time following his children and grandchildren in their sports activities. He has also enjoyed getting to know his great grandchildren by playing with the three boys.

George married Delores Phillips June 20, 1954, in Amboy and enjoyed 69 years together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Bouse, and brother, John Mason.

He is survived by his wife Delores; son James, (Nancy) Mason, of East Helena, Mont.; daughters, Janice Mason, of Lyndon, Judith (Scott) Denys, of Geneseo, Joyce (John) Cook, of Morrison; 10 grandchildren, Todd, Terry, Lori, Kira, Tim, August, Katie, Mathew, Adam, Andrew; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-granddaughters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy. Burial with military honors will follow at Prairie Repose Cemetery in Amboy. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Condolences can be left at www.thejonesfh.com.