Joseph "Herb" Herbert Mason

Joseph Herbert "Herb" Mason Sr., 78, of Morehead City, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:50 am at Carteret General Hospital.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents Marcus and Laura Mason, and his older sister Barbara Louise Dudley. The youngest sister Laura Ann Mason is the last of the siblings to survive. Herb grew up in the Freewill Baptist Church of Beaufort and later joined Ann Street Methodist Church.

Herb is survived by his wife, Donna L. Mason, his son Joseph Herbert "Joey" Mason Jr and wife Mieko, his daughter Lisa Warren and husband Woody, and youngest son George Daniel Mason and wife Elizabeth. Herb was blessed with grandchildren Blake Gregg and his wife Andrea, Mason Gregg and his fiancé Margaret, Parks Warren, Eric Vierheller and wife Tammy, Sean Vierheller, Jacob Wright and Hudson Wright. Herb was further blessed to see the births of six great-grandchildren.

Herb had a rich, wonderful life adventure. He was point guard for the Beaufort High School 1955 State Championship basketball team. After graduating as a Seadog in 1955, he worked with Duke Marine Lab studying local hard crabs but not before marrying his high school sweetheart Donna the same year.

During the next few years, Herb realized the game of golf his new father-in-law introduced him to was one of his greatest loves. He left Duke Marine Lab after a few years to become a Golf-Pro with Wilson Country Club. Shortly thereafter, Herb earned his PGA card in Clearwater, Florida. Following years saw Herb and his family at Garner Country Club, the Morehead City Country Club, Treasure Lake Country Club in Dubois, PA and Pineknoll Shores Country Club where he eventually retired from being a Golf-Pro but never truly left the game.

After retiring from golf, Herb picked up his second love, being a waterman. Herb was known for being able to find the fish and shrimp when no one else could not. He spent many years as captain of shad boats in both local waters and off the coast of Louisiana. After spending too much time during the 58 years they were married, Herb came back to Carteret County and fished North River as his father and his grandfather had done before him. So many moments were special in Herb’s life but one of his greatest was seeing his grandson Mason Gregg earn his own PGA card this past year.

The family and church will host A Celebration of Herb Mason’s Life will be held at Ann Street Methodist at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 24, 2015 with Rev. David Wade officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the service at the church’s Eure Building, ending at 3:30pm.

Although flowers are appreciated, donations may be made to the Ann St. Methodist Chancel Choir at 417 Ann St., Beaufort, NC 28516.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are being made by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory Inc of Morehead City.