A TRIBUTE TO BROTHER TOM MASON
With a heavy heart, I am saddened to inform you that one of our most loyal and greatest Brothers has entered the Chapter Eternal. Brother Tom Mason of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University passed Monday evening, June 22, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jon Thomas Mason, better known as Tom Mason to everyone, was born in Tulsa, OK on February 2, 1940. He graduated from Edison High School in 1958. He married his wife, Nancy, on August 7, 1965 and they resided in Tulsa while raising their 3 children.
Brother Mason was a lifelong leader for our Fraternity, both in Stillwater and nationally. Brother Mason began his Sigma Nu journey at Oklahoma State University, where he was initiated in 1959 as Epsilon Epsilon #843. While an undergraduate, he held several officer positions including a term as Commander. He graduated from Oklahoma State then went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Tulsa.
After graduation, his service began for the General Fraternity when he became a Division Commander for Sigma Nu in 1973 and served in that role on and off until 1992. He also served on the Leadership Council which was responsible for developing the LEAD Program.
His service to his chapter has been equally important and he is often referred to as “the father of Epsilon Epsilon”. He served for many years as the Chapter Advisor and has served on the Epsilon Epsilon Housing Corporation since 2005. His exceptional dedication was honored with his induction into our Hall of Honor in 2014. As Tom noted in his Hall of Honor induction remarks, his “love affair” with Sigma Nu Fraternity began in September 1958 when he became a candidate of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter. Tom’s induction speech was recorded and all are encouraged to view his moving speech via this link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If3dhddq35M
Professionally, Tom began his career in the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and then went on to work for many years for prominent Tulsa lawyer, David Sanders, Sr. In 1993, he helped establish the firm of Carpenter, Mason and McGowan.
Tom bravely battled Parkinson’s disease over his latter years living at St Simeon just north of downtown Tulsa. Tom said numerous times that he had a helluva wonderful life surrounded by people he respected and loved. His wife, Nancy, is surrounded by a wonderful family and lots of friends. Please keep Nancy, and children Whitney, Shea and Mitchell and grandchildren in your prayers.
The family has requested that any gifts or memorials in honor of Tom Mason be made to the following for the benefit of the Epsilon Epsilon Centennial Campaign:
Sigma Nu Educational Foundation
Epsilon Epsilon Centennial Campaign in Honor of Tom Mason
P.O. Box 1869
Lexington, VA 24450
Any notes of condolence should be sent to the family at the following address:
Nancy Mason
2121 S Yorktown Ave Apt 903
Tulsa, OK 74114
It seems fitting to close with a quote from a fraternity song (Hi Rickety) about Brother Mason,
Who am I, sir?
A fraternity man am I!
A Sigma Nu, sir!
Until the day I die!
