Mason Parham

Mason Parham, 60, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Fruitland Park, FL on July 1, 2022. Born on June 24, 1962, in Elyria, Ohio, Mason resided in Amherst most of his life. After graduating from Marion L. Steele High School and Lorain County JVS in 1980, he went on to hold various skilled positions. He was a wrangler for Lost Valley Ranch (Deckers, CO), Welder for Columbia Gas of Ohio for over 25 years, Volunteer Firefighter for the Amherst Fire Dept., Plumber for Esser Plumbing, and a driver for The American Red Cross and Accu Medical Waste. Most recently, after having quadruple bypass surgery 5.5 years ago, he was able to enjoy his life as a Camp Host at Findley State Park, US Army Corps of Engineers (Gilbert, WV), Timber Ridge Campground (Vermilion, OH), and Camp Geneva (Fruitland Park, FL) where he made his home.

 

If you knew Mason, you may have known him from the many facets of his life. He was known to live life to the fullest and always do it his way. There was never a stranger that didn't turn into a friend and his welcoming spirit truly showed.

 

Early in his life he was known as Racin' Mason, winning Rookie of the Year in stock car racing in the #19 car. After retiring from racing, he became a husband to Dana (nee Phillips) Christian, and soon became a proud dad. He was the quintessential girl dad – from painting nails to planning adventures, Mason took on the role of being a dad to the fullest. He loved his daughters, Chelsea and Emily to his core and there was never a moment where he wasn't proud of them. Being a dad afforded him the opportunity to become a Papa, a title that he cherished and relished in.

 

Mason thrived on helping people in all walks of life. Some of his best memories were from his frequent mission trips. He was particularly proud of his work in Mexico with Buses International feeding and clothing the community, disbursing shoe box care packages, helping children of all ages, and his favorite, building houses. He was equally as grateful for his fellow missionaries, and he was to the ones he was able to serve.

 

He continued his impact on those around him through his coaching. From t-ball and city league, to traveling around the Country for softball, he was known for his tenacity and ability to motivate and empower his teams. There was nothing more that he loved than being able to coach his daughters on Sunday night in a Championship game (go Vipers).

 

After coaching, he turned his leadership skills to organizing hiking and biking groups throughout Ohio via MeetUp. He ensured each and every person who showed up to his activities felt welcomed and that they belonged. He made many long-term close friends one of which would become his wife, Teresa. They went on to travel around the country, serving as camp hosts at various campgrounds and National Parks, eventually settling at Camp Geneva in Fruitland Park where they spent the last 3 years as beloved camp hosts.

 

Mason is survived by his parents Harry and Laurie (nee McDaniel), wife Teresa, daughters Chelsea (Jon) Sobotka, Emily Parham (Justin Luthy), grandsons Landon and Everett Sobotka, brother Todd (Stacey) Parham, and his four-legged best friends Willow (Willy) and Samantha (Blondie).

He is preceded in death by Harry and Pauline Parham and Dick and Emmy Kane.

 

A private memorial service was held in Florida

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 14th, 2022, from 1:00-5:00 pm, at Ziggy's (193 Park Ave.) in Amherst. We ask that you please come and go as you choose, so we may celebrate his joyful life.