William Paul “Bill” Mason, 77, beloved son, brother, father, and grand-father, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 14, 2025, while camping at the Iowa State Fair. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Burial was in Barnes City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Barnes City Cemetery.
Bill was born in Oskaloosa, to Paul and Louella (Light) Mason on Aug. 11, 1948. He grew up in Barnes City working from an early age at many family businesses with his father and uncles, driving truck from age 14, and later taking over M&M Trucking. Bill and his father worked side-by-side in the auction business starting M&M Auction and the sale barns in both Barnes City and Montezuma. He graduated from Reisch Auctioneering School in 1963 and from North Mahaska Schools in 1966.
Bill served in the Iowa Army National Guard and Army Reserve from November 1966 through November 1972. He operated M&M Auction and Montezuma Sale Barn with his dad for many years until his dad’s death in 2009. Bill was a devoted Barnes City community volunteer and was a member of the Barnes City Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Post 507, fast-pitch softball team, and Ruritan Club, as well as Prairie Knolls Country Club in New Sharon. In his retirement, Bill worked as a truck driver for Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) where he met many new friends.
Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends camping at the Iowa State Fair, as well as attending NASCAR races, cheering on Dale Earnhardt. He also frequently spent time with family and friends at Longhorn Saloon in Barnes City, Cabaret Sports Bar in Ankeny, and The Hen House in Elkhart.
Bill married Mary “Kathi” McAtee in November 1977 in Hiawatha. They raised three children, Antonette, Shauna, and Paul in Barnes City before moving to Montezuma in 1992. Following his retirement, he moved to Ankeny in 2017.
Bill is survived by his children Antonette Spoelstra (Robert), Dr. Shauna Baker (Todd Faasse), and Paul Mason (Dr. Ryan Tomlinson), as well as his grandchildren Blake Wehrle (Holli Renaud), Grant Wehrle (Allie Utterback), Isaac Faasse, and Willow Faasse; sister-in-law Lenore Chambers; and uncle Earnest Mason. He will also be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Chambers, sister Sandra (Jerry) Wymore, son-in-law Bryce Wehrle, cousin Merrill McNabb, lifelong friend David Bair, and many extended family members.
