Darnell Ray Mason, Sr. departed this life on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Living Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Darnell was born on December 9, 1933 in Holdenville, OK. His parents, George Mason and Mildred Mason both preceded his death.
After graduating from Lincoln High School, Holdenville, OK, Darnell enlisted in the United States Army and served as military police, receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. Darnell was united in marriage to Georgia Ree Stewart and from this union came 5 children of which one son, Jimmy Mason preceded him in death. Darnell was also preceded in death by great-grandson Jeremiah Gatewood.
Darnell was baptized and received Christ as His personal Savior. He was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he served faithfully. He successfully retired from Kingsberry Homes and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as foreman and supervisor, respectively.
Darnell remarried and leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and friend of 40 years, Melva J. Mason. Darnell and Melva enjoyed spending time together and always found time to laugh. They lived a simple, yet satisfying life and thank God for the moments they shared.
Also to share and cherish his memories are five daughters and one son: Rose Mason (Holdenville, OK), Donna Ford (Mertis Ford) (Shreveport, LA), Kathy King (Shawnee, OK), Floritta R. Mason Pope (Elder Eric V. Pope) (Oklahoma City), Lachelle Larkins Mason (Holdenville, OK) and Darnell Mason, Jr. (Shawnee, OK). Darnell is also survived by his brother James "Jimmy" Olden(Willa Mae Olden) (Oklahoma City, OK), his 13 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grand children, niece Toi Olden (Plano, TX), nephew Vander Olden (Oklahoma City, OK) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Holdenville on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. and Darnell will be laid to rest in the Shiloh Cemetery.