Mickey Dean Mason

Mickey Dean Mason, 82, of Nevada, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, in his home following a lengthy illness surrounded by his children.

Mickey was born June 15, 1940, to Roy and Ruth Mason of Anderson, Mo. He was raised in McDonald County and was very active in the local farm and agriculture community which became a constant thread of his passions throughout his lifetime.

He graduated from Southwest City High School in May 1958 and then studied for one year at the School of the Ozarks. On Aug. 12, 1961, Mickey married his childhood sweetheart, Laurel Nichols and they remained married until her death in 2010. In 1962, Mickey and Laurel moved to Nevada, Mo. Over their nearly 50 years of marriage, Mickey and Laurel built a full legacy of family together. They had seven children which evolved into countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mickey applied and was accepted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy on June 15, 1961, his 21st birthday. At that time, he was the youngest patrolman in the state. He proceeded to serve as a Troop D Missouri State Highway Patrolman from April 1, 1962 until his retirement on Aug. 28, 1994. After his retirement, he served part time as a Vernon County Deputy Sheriff. He then was elected and served in the office of Vernon County Sheriff from 1997-2000. After leaving the position of Vernon County Sheriff, Mickey then served as Deputy Sheriff of Barton County, served the 28th Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, Division of Family Services, and Division of Youth Services covering the counties of Vernon, Cedar, Barton and Dade. Throughout the years of his law enforcement career, Mickey never swayed from his core beliefs and traditions of the mission and impact his service brought to not only his family, but to the community and to the man, himself, that he always proved to be.

Salus populi suprema lex esto: “Let the good of the people be the supreme law.”

Over the years, Mickey wore many hats and stayed involved in his community with his family. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a Boy Scout Leader, Lions Club member, Masonic Lodge member, along with countless other roles. If nothing else, he could be described as a family man who loved his community.

Mickey was preceded in death by his wife, Laurel; both of his parents; and two granddaughters, Lindsay Mason and Dru Hancock. Survivors include his sister, Diana Virden and husband Ed (Springfield, Mo.); son, Chris Mason (Nevada); daughter, Cheryl Shultz and husband Scott (Springfield, Mo.); daughter, Cindy Dye and husband Jimmie (Nevada); son, Cary Mason (Springfield, Mo.); daughter, Candace Dunback and husband Chris (Eudora, Kan.); daughter, Celeste Grothusen and husband Dallas (Wichita, Kan.); daughter, Crystal Hancock and husband Jesse (Lee’s Summit, Mo.); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 30, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor George Knox officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mickey’s memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.