Donald Ray Mason

Early Life Donald Ray Mason was born on August 17, 1943, in Midland, Texas, to Marie Ross and James B. Mason. He spent his formative years in Midland, where he attended Carver High School. While at Carver, Mr. Mason distinguished himself as a leader, serving in several key roles, including class president, student council president, Esquire Club president, president of the National Honor Society, and senior class vice president. His peers also selected him as "Mr. Senior Class," recognizing his leadership and character. Mr. Mason graduated from Carver High School as the Salutatorian of the class of 1961. Following high school, he received a four-year football scholarship to attend Texas Western University (now the University of Texas at El Paso) in El Paso, Texas, where he majored in Biology and played on the Texas Western Miners football team. He was also an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and Phi Delta Kappa International Professional Organization for Educators. In 1965, Mr. Mason earned his Bachelor's Degree in Biology and chose to dedicate the next two years to teaching in the El Paso school system. In 1969, Mr. Mason returned to Midland, Texas, where he made a significant impact as one of the first African American educators in the Midland Independent School District. He served in various roles for 37 years, including biology teacher and coach for football, basketball, and track. Mr. Mason's commitment to education and mentoring was evident in his work both inside and outside the classroom. Seeking to further his education, Mr. Mason attended Texas Tech University, where he earned his Master's in Education in 1972. His leadership abilities were soon recognized, and he took on several administrative roles within the district. He served as Assistant Principal at Midland High School, Head Sophomore Principal at Robert E. Lee High School, and Head Principal of Lee Freshman High School, where he retired in 2004. Community Involvement and Recognition In addition to his educational career, Mr. Mason was deeply involved in his community. He was recognized by the Texas Bar Association for his service on the grievance committee. He also served as President of the North East YMCA and was a member of the Governor's Club for Youth in Government. A passionate lover of sports, Mr. Mason continued to contribute to athletics as a basketball official at both the high school and college levels. He was President of the Permian Basin Basketball Officials Association, further cementing his legacy in both education and sports. Family Mr. Mason was deeply passionate about family. Through his marriages, he was blessed with two daughters, one son, two stepsons, and one stepdaughter. His family extended further with one grandson, twelve step-grandchildren, and twelve step-great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Hobbies Mr. Mason was a passionate tennis enthusiast, frequently participating in both singles and doubles tournaments, where he earned numerous trophies and accolades. In addition to tennis, he had a love for basketball, enjoyed playing dominoes, and had a deep appreciation for music. He also enjoyed recording both audio and visual content, showcasing his creative side. Survivors Mr. Mason is survived by his wife, Argelia Herrera-Mason; daughters, Andrea O. Mason-Howard of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Rolanda L. Mason of Houston, Texas; son, Donald Robert Mason of Houston, Texas; and stepchildren, Jorge Herrera, Jacob Herrera, and Jennie Herrera, all of Midland, Texas. He is also survived by his grandson, Dwight Alexander Howard of Colorado Springs, Colorado, along with 12 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren and a host of beloved extended family. Homegoing Services will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at True-Lite Christian Fellowship, 3001 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705. Viewing: 11:00 AM Service: 1:00 PM Repass to follow immediately after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in honor of Donald Ray Mason to the Alzheimer's Association: <

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Donald Ray Mason

August 17, 1943 - May 5, 2025