Richard Dean Mason, age 73, of Weeki Wachee, FL sadly passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on October 28, 2025. Rick was born on May 21, 1952 in Lanesboro, MN to Alfred and Beatrice (Nesheim) Mason.

After graduating in 1970 from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD, Rick served 8 yrs in the U.S Air Force before beginning a long and fulfilling career traveling the world as a Department of Defense Contractor at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE. While in the military, Rick pursued his education and obtained two bachelor's degrees along with a master's degree in project management, graduating with honors. He ended his career working for General Dynamics as a program manager, IT & SS retiring at 59 yrs old. Those who worked with and for him couldn't say enough great things about him, including that he was the best manager they ever had.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Rick met his current wife, Barbara in 1983 and married in 2000. Rick's favorite things to do were spending time with family, golfing, watching sports and old western's and playing cards. Rick's wife, children and those who knew him will always remember him as a very kind, calm, smart and humble man.

Rick frequently mentioned how proud he was of his family and how much he loved all of them. Shortly before his passing, one of the last things he mentioned to several of his family members was he had a great life and would not change a thing, which brings much needed comfort to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara, his daughters Cassie (Chad) Tiede of Sioux Falls, SD, Christy (Jason) Anderson of Lake Havasu City, AZ, step-children Colleen (Ryan) Derrick of Tallahassee, FL and Shannon (Chad) Buerman of Brooksville, FL, 6 grandchildren, Emily (Matt), Nicholas, Andrew, Grant, Megan, Anna and great grandson Brooks, step grandchildren Shea and Brendan and the mother of his children, Marla Mason of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by his brother Ron (Dawn) of Ayden, NC, half-sister Rona Urban of Huron, SD and several nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Roger and sister-in-law Jeannine Mason.

Celebration of Life with be held May 24, 2026 in Chester, SD. Details to follow closer to the celebration.