Merle R. Mason, 63, of Freedom, passed away at 6:16 a.m. Monday, August 9, 2004 at Bloomington Hospital.

Born July 17, 1941 in Crawford County, he was the son of Lawrence and Ada (Newton) Mason.

He retired from ConRail in 1990 with 20 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion in Worthington and the V.F.W. in Clay City.

Survivors include: his wife Linda (Smith) Mason of Freedom; one son Carlos A. Mason of Spencer; four brothers, Donald Mason of Anderson, Darrell Mason of Huntingburg, Lynn Mason of Cannelton, and Allen Mason of Philo, Ohio; and one sister Hazel Speedy of Paoli.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother Earl Mason.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington with Rev. Eric Kersey and Rev. Gordon Easterline officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Crawford County at a later date.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home.