Robert B. Mason

Robert Buford Mason, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2025, at his residence in Fort Defiance.

He was born on July 8, 1943, in Indianapolis, IN, to the late Morris A. and Rebecca Mae Shelton Mason.

Robert began his education at Bristol College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Following his studies, he served honorably as a proud Vietnam veteran in the Army. He often cherished the memories of his service and enjoyed sharing stories about that significant time in his life.

He retired as a bus driver for Augusta County Public Schools.

Throughout his life, Robert had a variety of interests: he loved Western TV shows and movies and fishing and camping provided him with a sense of peace and adventure.

Robert shared a beautiful marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie Edna Campbell Mason, for thirty-six wonderful years. Their love was deep and unwavering, and he often expressed how much she meant to him, truly loving her more than anything.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his sons, Shane and Christopher Mason; his daughter, Misty Mason Woody and her husband, Rick; his stepsons, Harold Heishman and his wife, Cherie and Troy Heishman, Sr. and his partner, Alicia; his stepdaughters, Robyn Austin and her husband, David and Crystal Heishman and her wife, Robin; his grandchildren, Natasha Goodloe and her husband, Tim, Nathan Austin and his wife, Ashley, Emily Shifflett and her husband, Justin, Jacob Heishman, Troy Heishman, Jr., Tory Heishman, Lilly Heishman, Elly Heishman, Tristin Mason, and Noah Woody; along with his great-grandchildren, Savannah Goodloe, Tyler Austin, Madalyn Austin, Ava Austin, Joel Maybush, Christian Maybush, and Sophia Shifflett; and his beloved dogs, Little Bit and Rosie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Mae Carter.

A memorial service with military honors will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at New Life Baptist Church in New Hope with the Reverend Corey Smallwood officiating.