Vernon Leslie (Les) Mason, 69, Upland, IN, and formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 8:10 a.m. at University Nursing Center, Upland, IN.
Mr. Mason was born on December 18, 1946 in Xenia, IL to Vernon Lee and Juanita Eileen (Taylor) Mason. His parents preceded him in death.
Mr. Mason was a 1964 graduate of Huntington High School. After graduation, he volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War, where he received several combat-related citations and awards for his service. After being Honorably Discharged, Mr. Mason joined the Huntington Police Department as an officer, and simultaneously pursued his education at Huntington College, where he received his BA in Business Administration and Management. Mr. Mason was eventually recruited as a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. During his federal career, Mr. Mason spent numerous years working several very high-profile, long-term criminal investigations as a deep-penetration Undercover Agent. Mr. Mason received numerous awards and recognitions for extraordinary service to his Country. Mr. Mason was a member of the American Legion and VFW Post #2689 in Huntington, IN.
Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Wendy (Darren Caudill) Mason, Zionsville, IN. Two sons, Adam Mason and Ryan Mason, both of Zionsville, IN; three brothers, Stephen (Sharon) Mason, Huntington, IN, Bruce (Bernice) Mason, Mesa, AZ, Aaron (Ann) Mason, Huntington, IN; one sister, Connie (Rex) Jacquay, Decatur, IN; and two grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 4, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington IN.
Funeral Services and Military honors will follow the calling hours at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016, at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington IN.
A burial will be held at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 East 38 Street, Marion, IN, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Fisher House Foundation in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.