Vernon G. Mason

Vernon Gene Mason, age 80, of Dover, died Wednesday afternoon while working in the earth that he loved on the land that he farmed for the last three decades. Known widely as the founder of Saltwell Stables Western Store along the Tuscarawas River at Seven Mile Drive and Route 800, he maintained a very active and busy life on his farm, west of Winfield, on Broad Run Dairy Road. He’ll be remembered for his meticulous attention to detail, evidenced by the picturesque farm he maintained and the many passers-by who stopped to photograph his white fences and home with contrasting red barns and supporting buildings. Born on the family farm northeast of New Philadelphia, January 27, 1930, he was a son of the late Harry and Veda L. Van Fossen Mason. A 1947 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Vernon married his classmate, the former Venette McClean on February 6, 1950. Vernon will be remembered as an industrious, hard-working man. Those traits earned him a role as a communications repair instructor during the Korean War at Fort Gordon, Georgia.In 1950, he returned to the Tuscarawas Valley working first at the former Dover Telephone Co. before spending a decade driving a horse and wagon delivery route for the former Goshen Dairy Company. In the early 1960’s Vernon hand dug the foundation of his first store, opening Saltwell Stables Western Store, which remains family owned and operated today by Vernon’s daughter and son-in-law. In addition to his busy life on the farm and in business, Vernon served his community as a trustee of the Winfield United Methodist Church, was a life member of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, a longtime advisor for the Tuscora Trail Riders 4-H Club and a founding member of the former Tuscora Saddle Club. He and his wife were familiar faces in Wallick’s Auction Center at Strasburg.Most of all, Vernon will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather who worked side by side with his family, teaching them about farming and merchandising western wares. He played domino’s with his close friends, and the piano for family gatherings, often leading the singing too. He’ll be missed by many, but none more than his wife, Venette, with whom he celebrated sixty years of marriage earlier this year. Survivors also include his daughter, Sally (husband, Jay) Puzacke of New Philadelphia; and his son, Jeffrey (wife, Linda) Mason of Dundee. Vernon was proud of his four grandchildren, all presently attending college; Scott Puzacke, at Oklahoma State University, Justin Mason, at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, Molly Mason at Chatham University of Pennsylvania, and Natalie Mason at Kent State University. In addition to his parents, Vernon is preceded in death by his sister; Patricia A. Green. Friends are invited to call Sunday from 2-4 and from 6-8 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor Lu Ann and Neil Youngman will lead funeral services for Mr. Mason Monday morning at 10:30 in the Winfield United Methodist Church. Following the service, a procession will form to take Vernon to rest on the hill above his home on his family farm. A luncheon reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Winfield UMC Scholarship Fund or to the Winfield UMC Sr. High Youth Activity Fund in care of Winfield United Methodist Church, 5247 SR 516 NW Dover, OH 44622.