Benny Paul Mason

Benny Paul Mason, 71, of Hutsonville, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 24, 2024. Now resting in the presence of his Heavenly Father, we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his parents, Arvis J. Mason and Virginia Lee (Goldman) Mason, "Granny" Livona Luella Mason & James Mason, as well as his brothers, James Marshall Mason and Arvis J. Mason Jr. Left behind to cherish his memory is a loving family: his sisters, Rena Smith and Gina (Tony) Brian; his sister-in-law, Deborah Mason; and a host of nieces and nephews—Tim Sollman, Derek Smith, Nick Smith, Charles Smith, Michael Smith, Peter Smith, Veronica Smith, Goldie Smith, Holly Anne Kelsheimer, Gage Elias Brian, Noah Wyatt Brian, Jack Benjamin Brian, Sam Garrett Brian, and Lafe Mason. His spirit also lives on in the smiles and laughter of several great-nieces & nephews and great-great-nieces & nephews, each a testament to his enduring love and influence.

Born in Princeton, IN on June 2, 1953, his faith journey also began there, having been baptized at Enon Church. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to his Lord, shaping the way he lived and loved for the rest of his 71 years with us. Benny would soon prove to be a man who marched to the beat of his own drum—quite literally! He purchased his first set of drums with the earnings from picking peaches despite his allergy to them. Such was his devotion to music. A stalwart on the football field as an offensive lineman and a rhythmic powerhouse in the drum corps, he graduated from Princeton High School in the class of 1971 with dreams as bold as his beats.

After high school, Benny ventured out west to California, seeking new experiences and broadening his horizons. Yet, when family duty called him home following the passing of his father, he answered without hesitation, returning to support his beloved mother. Benny's deep sense of responsibility to his family and love for his fellow man echoed in every aspect of his life. Benny dedicated himself to the service of others through his work in social rehabilitation at Heritage Health Care in Hutsonville and West Salem Manor. His commitment to care was as unwavering as his steady drumming, and he became a respected part-owner of both institutions, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and community service.

Music was undoubtedly the heartbeat of Benny's life. He played drums with a fiery passion that could ignite the soul, performing with various rock cover bands across the area. His adoration for legends like Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa shaped his rhythmic finesse, and he was blessed to witness a number of his idols perform live, fueling his own musical journey. He was also quite the sports aficionado. His heart was big enough to hold loyalty for both the Bears and the Colts, as well as the Cubs and the Cardinals. Many a game day was spent in the warm company of his sister Gina and her husband Tony, sharing in the thrill of the sport and the joy of family.

In the quiet moments of life, Benny was a faithful man—quiet and reserved, yet if you had the privilege of calling him friend, he was steadfast and true, a loyal companion to the end. His love wasn't reserved for people alone; he had a tender spot for animals, particularly his rescue dogs, who found not just shelter but a loving home with him. His life reflected the words of Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Whether he was caring for the elderly in long-term care, offering a listening ear, or rescuing animals, Benny's actions spoke of a quiet, steadfast faith in Christ, as did his attendance at Trimble Bible Church.

It is because of this abiding love for his Savior that we can be assured that we will see him again, in that place where death is just a memory and tears are no more. Until then, we will remember the rhythm of his life—a cherished beat that will continue to resonate within everyone who knew him.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Decker Chapel Cemetery, rural Patoka, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Heritage Activity Fund", with memorial envelopes available at the funeral home.