Kenneth D. Mason

Kenneth D. Mason

BARRE – Kenneth Donald Mason, 89, a longtime Barre resident, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on May 25, 1935, in Graniteville, he was the oldest son of Alpheus and Gladys (Eastman) Mason.  In his early years his parents moved to Washington, where he attended Washington Elementary School and Spaulding High School, graduating in 1953. During his high school years, he was a member of Glee Club and had the opportunity to attend All State Music and the Winooski Valley Festivals.

On September 13, 1958, he married Nancy Ladd of Washington. The two made their home in Barre where they raised two sons.

Ken was a member of Barre Jaycees where he held several offices. He also was a member of the Barre Rotary Club for several years.

He was a member of Barre Congregational Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir.

After his high school graduation, he went to work for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and in 1959 attended Vt. Agriculture and Technological Institute in Randolph Center.  He graduated in 1961 from the Highway Engineering courses with an Associate degree in Highway Technology.  Following graduation, he was employed by the State of Vermont in the Highway Department as a technician.  In 1969, he became Barre Town Clerk and Treasurer as well as treasurer for the Barre Town School District.  He served in that capacity for 15 years before becoming Vice-President of Granite Savings & Trust Bank.  After moving from Barre Town to East Montpelier, they continued operating their Wood+2 antique business in their home.

He then returned to employment at the State of Vermont in the Highway Department- VTRANS, as negotiator of property rights for the Right of Way Division, until his retirement.

Ken loved country and gospel music and was an avid pianist and organist. At one time he was the organist at Barre First Baptist Church and in later years was the organist at the Gardens in Williamstown for their Sunday services.  Sitting down at a keyboard always gave him great enjoyment.

Survivors include his two sons, Kevin Mason of Florida and Kent Mason and his wife, Cherese of Cabot, Vermont; his former wife Nancy Mason, two sisters, Shirley Clark of Graniteville, Kathy Holt and her husband, Wayne of Barre Town; as well as two nieces and many cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Ronald Mason and brother-in-law Bernard Clark.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Ken’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.