Robert "Pat" Mason

Robert "Pat" Mason, 84, of Keyser, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. Born on March 15, 1942, in Westernport, Maryland, he was the son of the late James Robert Mason and Thelma Blanche Mason.

Pat graduated from Elk Garden High School in 1959 and pursued his passion for education by earning a Master’s Degree in secondary education from West Virginia University. A dedicated educator, he taught math and science at Keyser High School, with a particular fondness for teaching Chemistry. During that time he helped launch the county science fairs and math field day, and was the director of regional math field day. His commitment to lifelong learning led him to further his studies at national science institutes in Pennsylvania and Kansas.

Pat’s career with the Mineral County Board of Education was distinguished by his dedication and leadership. He served as a science coordinator before advancing to supervisor of curriculum and instruction and later as Assistant Superintendent for many years. After his retirement, he was a member of the Mineral County genealogy Society and the Mineral County historical Society. He helped write some historical documents. Beyond his professional achievements, Pat was deeply involved in his community as President of the Mineral County Association of Retired School Employees and the Mineral County Historical Society.

Pat was into Civil war history, and had taken many trips to Gettysburg, Pa.  he was a collector of baseball cards, paraphernalia, stamps, and coins. He adored spending time with his grandchildren.

A man of faith and family, Pat shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara Elaine Alderton Mason. Together they built a loving family that includes their daughters Pam Diaz (husband Matt) and Nancy McDonald (husband Lowell), nine grandchildren—Colby Smith, Luke Smith, Cheyenne Smith, Jacob McDonald, Rachel Duffy, Daniel McDonald, Anna Sibole, Mia Diaz, and Nick Diaz—and five great-grandchildren: Violet Duffy, Julia Duffy, Avery McDonald, Kit McDonald, and eagerly anticipated twin great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by his brother Bert Mason and sister-in-law Marlene Mason.

The family will receive friends at Markwood Funeral Home, 111 S. Mineral St., Keyser, WV, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Lowell McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Potomac Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mineral County Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 1325, Keyser, WV 26726.

May Robert "Pat" Mason's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire others through his enduring contributions to education and community.

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