Eric Randolph Mason

Eric Randolph Mason

May 8, 1955 – February 4, 2023

Eric Randolph Mason, 67, of Omaha, inherited God’s promise of eternal life on February 4, 2023, and now begins life anew.

He was born in Conrad, MT on Mother’s Day – May 8, 1955 – to Dr. Roger Dale and Myrtle Arline Mason (nee Monson).  At just under six pounds, Eric was put on a two-hour feeding schedule – one he proudly made sure he stuck to throughout his life.

Bigger than life, he was a kind, gentle soul who would do anything for anyone and did so often. His quick sense of humor and positive outlook endeared him to everyone he met. Intact to the end, it helped carry his family and friends – and even his medical team – through both good days and bad.

While tough as nails, he delighted in the joy of first discoveries and innocence that only children possess and, because of that, children were naturally drawn to him. Along with his wife, Jeri (nee Laughrey), he especially delighted in spending time with and creating magical moments for their granddaughter, Isabel.

Never one to hold back his opinion – a family trait he and his sisters affectionately attribute to their Norwegian ancestry – he also inherited a work ethic and unwavering commitment to family and friends.

Eric was a life-long Huskers fan, second only to Jeri, and a big Chiefs supporter. If heaven can be anything we want it to be, they most certainly have premium seats to the Super Bowl and will be cheering the Chiefs on to victory.

Eric cherished his friendships, especially those who gathered regularly at Sparky’s. There, he found friends and travel buddies, some of whom he had known for more than 35 years.

No matter what the relationship – dad, stepdad, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, or friend – and best of all, ‘Baka,’ – each of us is forever blessed by having had him in our lives.

Professionally, Eric was mentored in grain merchandising by his uncle and aunt, Martin A. and Eva Mason, and, following in their footsteps, became one of the most well-respected commodities merchandisers in the U.S., earning the steadfast loyalty of his customers and drivers. Unlike others who rely on GPS to get from point A to point B, Eric already knew the shortest route and it was sure to include a great restaurant or two along the way.

He worked at Mason & Associates in California before moving back to Nebraska and then, for a time, to Missouri. Prior to his retirement, he worked for DeBruce Grain and Scoular, and then as an independent merchandiser.

In addition to his parents and wife, Eric was preceded in death by his infant twin daughters Tiffany Anne and Nicole Marie Mason; grandparents, Gladys Mason (nee Cowles) and Ephraim and Molly Monson (nee Thompson); sister, Claudia Sue Mason; nephew Lance Sterling Barger; brother-in-law Michael B. Chambers; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his children, Miranda Sue Mason De La Garza (Rudy) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ryan Patrick Mason (Lexi) of Roberts, MT; stepson Erin C. Vik (Jennifer) of Omaha; grandchildren Cierra and Julian De La Garza; Kelsie, Mariah, and Alyssa Mason; and Isabel Vik; great-grandchildren Oliver and Lincoln Mason; sisters, Karen Mason Bellman (John) of Lynn Haven, FL and Denise Mason Chambers of Broken Arrow, OK; nephew Brady A. Barger (Ekaterina) and children, Clara, Bella, and Noah of Lynn Haven, FL; niece Briana A. Barger and children, Kaileigh and Rylie of McCook, NE; nephew Matthew Bellman (Josie) of Gainesville, FL; three aunts and numerous cousins and friends.

The family is forever grateful for the exceptional care provided to Eric at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the family that lives outside of Omaha is eternally grateful for the abundant love and constant care provided to him by his stepson and wife, Erin and Jennifer Vik.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity, make a toast to Eric, and cherish every minute you have with family and friends.

Visitation Thursday, February 9th at 12:00 PM followed by Memorial Service, 1:00 PM at West Center Chapel

Interment: Evergreen

5 Comments

  • Paula A Monson Posted February 6, 2023 6:11 pm

    Thinking of you at this difficult time.

  • Shannon (Laughrey) Dudzinski Posted February 9, 2023 10:15 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Eric’s family and friends. We will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society in his name, in the hope that someday they can cure this horrible disease.

  • Shannon Dudzinski Posted February 9, 2023 10:23 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family and friends. In his honor we are making a donation to the American Cancer Society, in the hope that they can someday cure this horrible disease.

  • Charles & Janice LaPlante Posted February 9, 2023 1:51 pm

    Our best to you and yours.

  • Stephen RapatzHarr Posted February 14, 2023 9:42 pm

    Sorry to hear about Eric’s death. Our families were close when I was young and Eric and his sisters were good friends My thoughts and prayers are with you!

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