Russell Leroy Mason, age 89 of Upper Marlboro Maryland
Russell Leroy Mason was born on October 17th, 1922 in Winchester, Va. He was the son of the late Mr. Ed and Mrs. Blanche Turner Mason and brother to the late John Mason.
Russell was a self-taught accomplished musician skilled in playing numerous instruments. His first love was the trumpet; however, he is most known for playing his beloved Tenor Saxophone. Russell was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the Philippine Islands and in New Guinea. While in the Army, Russell continued developing his musical talents. After returning from the army, he studied music formally for the first time at the Modern School of Music in Washington, D. C. Russell was known as Rusty Mason and the All Stars when he performed on the T. V. show, Capital Caravan. He traveled and performed during periods in our country when even as an accomplished musician, he would have to eat his meals in the back of the restaurant. He often spoke about growing up in the swing era and having the opportunity to play with such great musicians as Count Basie, "Pres." "Little Jazz," and many others.
In the early fifties, he turned his full attention to his new wife, Fannie Washington Long and the ministry. In 1954 he married Fannie and together they raised their ten children; eight daughters and two sons. Faye Long Pearson of Buffalo, N.Y., Dianne Long Parker of Coshocton, Ohio, Joanne Mason Thomas of Boyce, Virginia, Helen Long Davenport, Susan P. Mason, Kyria L. Mason, Deborah Mason Summers, and Rhoda C. Mason all of Winchester, Virginia, Moses W. Long of Petersburg, Virginia, and the late Wayne F. Mason of Winchester, Virginia
During this time until 1987, he also served in the ministry. As a minister, he devoted his life to God and his church. Just as with his music, he dedicated all of his time, attention, and energy to this vocation. He served with the fullest of integrity and honor. He served as a pastor of many churches and an Overseer of many church districts. He traveled as far west as California, as far south as Georgia, as far northeast as Connecticut. He touched the lives of many people throughout his travels. Being led by his belief in a Higher Power, the impact of his ministry is still being expressed by many today.
In 1987, Russell retired from the ministry and returned to his musical career. In 1996, he married Chana Phyllis of Upper Marlboro Maryland. From this union, he gained two step children, Yonah L. Levy of Washington DC and Marni C. Corsaro of McLean VA, with the help of his wife, affectionately known to him as "Phyl", they produced four C. Ds with the kind of music that he describes as being real, honest, and from the soul.
During his musical career, he would be invited to several major colleges and universities lecturing, teaching, and playing jazz. One of the highlights later in his musical career was attending the Annual Augusta Heritage Festival "Swing Week" in Elkins West Virginia, where he served as teacher and Master Artist for 20 years. Russell would say that the purpose of music is to supply reason to the feet of dancers to move more rhythmically and energetically. Ultimately, according to Russell, "music is the universal language and it does have the ability to calm the savage beast".
Russell Leroy Mason, musician minister, husband, Poppa, Grand Poppa, Great Grand, Uncle, mentor and friend, will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, children, 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00pm, Thursday May 10, 2012 at the UAW Building on 2625 Papermill Road, Winchester, VA
Family will receive friends Thursday May 10th, one hour before the service at the UAW.
Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA with Military Honors Afforded by the US Army and Winchester VFW Post 2123.
In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions may be sent to Capital Caring Hospice at 9200 Basil Court Suite 200 Largo, MD 20774 or Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College 100 Campus Drive, Elkins WV 26241.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Cartwright Funeral Home Winchester, Virginia
Russell Leroy Mason was born on October 17th, 1922 in Winchester, Va. He was the son of the late Mr. Ed and Mrs. Blanche Turner Mason and brother to the late John Mason.
Russell was a self-taught accomplished musician skilled in playing numerous instruments. His first love was the trumpet; however, he is most known for playing his beloved Tenor Saxophone. Russell was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the Philippine Islands and in New Guinea. While in the Army, Russell continued developing his musical talents. After returning from the army, he studied music formally for the first time at the Modern School of Music in Washington, D. C. Russell was known as Rusty Mason and the All Stars when he performed on the T. V. show, Capital Caravan. He traveled and performed during periods in our country when even as an accomplished musician, he would have to eat his meals in the back of the restaurant. He often spoke about growing up in the swing era and having the opportunity to play with such great musicians as Count Basie, "Pres." "Little Jazz," and many others.
In the early fifties, he turned his full attention to his new wife, Fannie Washington Long and the ministry. In 1954 he married Fannie and together they raised their ten children; eight daughters and two sons. Faye Long Pearson of Buffalo, N.Y., Dianne Long Parker of Coshocton, Ohio, Joanne Mason Thomas of Boyce, Virginia, Helen Long Davenport, Susan P. Mason, Kyria L. Mason, Deborah Mason Summers, and Rhoda C. Mason all of Winchester, Virginia, Moses W. Long of Petersburg, Virginia, and the late Wayne F. Mason of Winchester, Virginia
During this time until 1987, he also served in the ministry. As a minister, he devoted his life to God and his church. Just as with his music, he dedicated all of his time, attention, and energy to this vocation. He served with the fullest of integrity and honor. He served as a pastor of many churches and an Overseer of many church districts. He traveled as far west as California, as far south as Georgia, as far northeast as Connecticut. He touched the lives of many people throughout his travels. Being led by his belief in a Higher Power, the impact of his ministry is still being expressed by many today.
In 1987, Russell retired from the ministry and returned to his musical career. In 1996, he married Chana Phyllis of Upper Marlboro Maryland. From this union, he gained two step children, Yonah L. Levy of Washington DC and Marni C. Corsaro of McLean VA, with the help of his wife, affectionately known to him as "Phyl", they produced four C. Ds with the kind of music that he describes as being real, honest, and from the soul.
During his musical career, he would be invited to several major colleges and universities lecturing, teaching, and playing jazz. One of the highlights later in his musical career was attending the Annual Augusta Heritage Festival "Swing Week" in Elkins West Virginia, where he served as teacher and Master Artist for 20 years. Russell would say that the purpose of music is to supply reason to the feet of dancers to move more rhythmically and energetically. Ultimately, according to Russell, "music is the universal language and it does have the ability to calm the savage beast".
Russell Leroy Mason, musician minister, husband, Poppa, Grand Poppa, Great Grand, Uncle, mentor and friend, will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, children, 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00pm, Thursday May 10, 2012 at the UAW Building on 2625 Papermill Road, Winchester, VA
Family will receive friends Thursday May 10th, one hour before the service at the UAW.
Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA with Military Honors Afforded by the US Army and Winchester VFW Post 2123.
In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions may be sent to Capital Caring Hospice at 9200 Basil Court Suite 200 Largo, MD 20774 or Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College 100 Campus Drive, Elkins WV 26241.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Cartwright Funeral Home Winchester, Virginia
Russell Leroy Mason, age 89 of Upper Marlboro Maryland
Russell Leroy Mason was born on October 17th, 1922 in Winchester, Va. He was the son of the late Mr. Ed and Mrs. Blanche Turner Mason and brother to the late John Mason.
Russell was a self-taught accomplished musician skilled in playing numerous instruments. His first love was the trumpet; however, he is most known for playing his beloved Tenor Saxophone. Russell was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the Philippine Islands and in New Guinea. While in the Army, Russell continued developing his musical talents. After returning from the army, he studied music formally for the first time at the Modern School of Music in Washington, D. C. Russell was known as Rusty Mason and the All Stars when he performed on the T. V. show, Capital Caravan. He traveled and performed during periods in our country when even as an accomplished musician, he would have to eat his meals in the back of the restaurant. He often spoke about growing up in the swing era and having the opportunity to play with such great musicians as Count Basie, "Pres." "Little Jazz," and many others.
In the early fifties, he turned his full attention to his new wife, Fannie Washington Long and the ministry. In 1954 he married Fannie and together they raised their ten children; eight daughters and two sons. Faye Long Pearson of Buffalo, N.Y., Dianne Long Parker of Coshocton, Ohio, Joanne Mason Thomas of Boyce, Virginia, Helen Long Davenport, Susan P. Mason, Kyria L. Mason, Deborah Mason Summers, and Rhoda C. Mason all of Winchester, Virginia, Moses W. Long of Petersburg, Virginia, and the late Wayne F. Mason of Winchester, Virginia
During this time until 1987, he also served in the ministry. As a minister, he devoted his life to God and his church. Just as with his music, he dedicated all of his time, attention, and energy to this vocation. He served with the fullest of integrity and honor. He served as a pastor of many churches and an Overseer of many church districts. He traveled as far west as California, as far south as Georgia, as far northeast as Connecticut. He touched the lives of many people throughout his travels. Being led by his belief in a Higher Power, the impact of his ministry is still being expressed by many today.
In 1987, Russell retired from the ministry and returned to his musical career. In 1996, he married Chana Phyllis of Upper Marlboro Maryland. From this union, he gained two step children, Yonah L. Levy of Washington DC and Marni C. Corsaro of McLean VA, with the help of his wife, affectionately known to him as "Phyl", they produced four C. Ds with the kind of music that he describes as being real, honest, and from the soul.
During his musical career, he would be invited to several major colleges and universities lecturing, teaching, and playing jazz. One of the highlights later in his musical career was attending the Annual Augusta Heritage Festival "Swing Week" in Elkins West Virginia, where he served as teacher and Master Artist for 20 years. Russell would say that the purpose of music is to supply reason to the feet of dancers to move more rhythmically and energetically. Ultimately, according to Russell, "music is the universal language and it does have the ability to calm the savage beast".
Russell Leroy Mason, musician minister, husband, Poppa, Grand Poppa, Great Grand, Uncle, mentor and friend, will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, children, 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00pm, Thursday May 10, 2012 at the UAW Building on 2625 Papermill Road, Winchester, VA
Family will receive friends Thursday May 10th, one hour before the service at the UAW.
Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA with Military Honors Afforded by the US Army and Winchester VFW Post 2123.
In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions may be sent to Capital Caring Hospice at 9200 Basil Court Suite 200 Largo, MD 20774 or Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College 100 Campus Drive, Elkins WV 26241.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Cartwright Funeral Home Winchester, Virginia
Russell Leroy Mason was born on October 17th, 1922 in Winchester, Va. He was the son of the late Mr. Ed and Mrs. Blanche Turner Mason and brother to the late John Mason.
Russell was a self-taught accomplished musician skilled in playing numerous instruments. His first love was the trumpet; however, he is most known for playing his beloved Tenor Saxophone. Russell was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the Philippine Islands and in New Guinea. While in the Army, Russell continued developing his musical talents. After returning from the army, he studied music formally for the first time at the Modern School of Music in Washington, D. C. Russell was known as Rusty Mason and the All Stars when he performed on the T. V. show, Capital Caravan. He traveled and performed during periods in our country when even as an accomplished musician, he would have to eat his meals in the back of the restaurant. He often spoke about growing up in the swing era and having the opportunity to play with such great musicians as Count Basie, "Pres." "Little Jazz," and many others.
In the early fifties, he turned his full attention to his new wife, Fannie Washington Long and the ministry. In 1954 he married Fannie and together they raised their ten children; eight daughters and two sons. Faye Long Pearson of Buffalo, N.Y., Dianne Long Parker of Coshocton, Ohio, Joanne Mason Thomas of Boyce, Virginia, Helen Long Davenport, Susan P. Mason, Kyria L. Mason, Deborah Mason Summers, and Rhoda C. Mason all of Winchester, Virginia, Moses W. Long of Petersburg, Virginia, and the late Wayne F. Mason of Winchester, Virginia
During this time until 1987, he also served in the ministry. As a minister, he devoted his life to God and his church. Just as with his music, he dedicated all of his time, attention, and energy to this vocation. He served with the fullest of integrity and honor. He served as a pastor of many churches and an Overseer of many church districts. He traveled as far west as California, as far south as Georgia, as far northeast as Connecticut. He touched the lives of many people throughout his travels. Being led by his belief in a Higher Power, the impact of his ministry is still being expressed by many today.
In 1987, Russell retired from the ministry and returned to his musical career. In 1996, he married Chana Phyllis of Upper Marlboro Maryland. From this union, he gained two step children, Yonah L. Levy of Washington DC and Marni C. Corsaro of McLean VA, with the help of his wife, affectionately known to him as "Phyl", they produced four C. Ds with the kind of music that he describes as being real, honest, and from the soul.
During his musical career, he would be invited to several major colleges and universities lecturing, teaching, and playing jazz. One of the highlights later in his musical career was attending the Annual Augusta Heritage Festival "Swing Week" in Elkins West Virginia, where he served as teacher and Master Artist for 20 years. Russell would say that the purpose of music is to supply reason to the feet of dancers to move more rhythmically and energetically. Ultimately, according to Russell, "music is the universal language and it does have the ability to calm the savage beast".
Russell Leroy Mason, musician minister, husband, Poppa, Grand Poppa, Great Grand, Uncle, mentor and friend, will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, children, 34 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00pm, Thursday May 10, 2012 at the UAW Building on 2625 Papermill Road, Winchester, VA
Family will receive friends Thursday May 10th, one hour before the service at the UAW.
Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA with Military Honors Afforded by the US Army and Winchester VFW Post 2123.
In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions may be sent to Capital Caring Hospice at 9200 Basil Court Suite 200 Largo, MD 20774 or Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College 100 Campus Drive, Elkins WV 26241.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Cartwright Funeral Home Winchester, Virginia
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