Paul Edward Mason, II “Sonny” passed away peacefully November 27, 2023. Born December 9, 1946 to the late Paul E. Mason I and the late Earlene (nee Williams) Mason.
Devoted husband of Diane (nee Weber) Mason. Loving father of Kimberly Mason, Kelly (Brian) Boos, Kristie Brice, Ryan (Stephanie) Stoffel, and Jason (Sarah) Stoffel. Beloved grandfather of Kevin, Jacqueline, Linda, Luke, Kyle, Veronica, Zoey, Raymond, Benjamin, Louis, Lucy, and Andrew. Dear great grandfather of 6. Loving brother to Lelah Jo, Andy Lung, Tim (Kathy) Lung, and Vanessa Lung. Dear uncle and friend to many.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Mark Kern Mason.
Colonel Mason grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served as a Military Policeman. He was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Military Police upon graduation from Infantry Officers Candidate School, Fort Benning, Georgia.
Colonel Mason held a variety of Command and staff positions in Vietnam (two tours), Germany and the United States, including service with the 89th Military Police group, United States Army Military Police School, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, and Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, and Headquarters United States Army Europe. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and at the time of his retirement from the Military, was the Provost Marshall and Commander, Military Police Command, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Colonel Mason joined the St. Louis Airport Police Department in September 1987 and was promoted to Chief in 1997. He commanded each of the department’s operational bureaus, prior to being appointed Chief in 1997. He was with the department for sixteen years; seven as Chief. Additionally, he was responsible for all security at the airport. As a bureau Commander and Chief, he has stewarded the department through significant growth, expansion of mission, and modernization. After September 11, 2001 attacks, he directed security changes and plans, resulting in Lambert-St. Louis International Airport being the first airport approved to re-open. Colonel Mason retired from the St. Louis Airport Police Department in 2014.
Colonel Mason is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Infantry Officers Candidate School, and the Armed Forces Staff College. His military decorations include: Legion of Merit, Soldiers Medal (Heroism), Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Ribbons, Distinguished Unit Citation, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Additionally, Governor Holden presented Colonel Mason with the Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal, in December 2001, for his efforts with the Missouri National Guard during Task Force Show Me Eagle, post September 11, 2001 activities.
In September 2007, Colonel Mason was elected President of Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network (ALEAN). As ALEAN President he represented law enforcement organizations from 105 U.S., 8 Canadian and 2 United Kingdom Airports. In September 2009, Colonel Mason was elected to serve a second term as President of ALEAN.
Paul also served as personal security of the owner of the St. Louis Rams from 1995 – 2014.
VISITATION: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 4-8 p.m.
SERVICES: 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Michel Funeral Home.
Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Colonel Paul Mason will receive full military honors.
In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to BackStoppers.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME.
Thanks for the fun time memories, Paul!
He was a fine professional and a great guy.
Paul was a loyal friend and a tremendous help to law enforcement community.
A solid friend whom I will miss.
Thank you for being a friend.
A true Law Enforcement Professional, great boss
And better friend. You will be missed
Wonderful memories of Paul as a true and dedicated Brother in Blue. Paul was a respected law enforcement professional leader and he had an outstanding military career. Love and sincerest condolences to Diane and the entire family. We know that the Lord is with you during this difficult time.
Alvy & Nan Dodson
Paul – You were one hellva fine Airport Chief of Police! As Lambert’s first TSA Federal Security Director, I enjoyed our professional and personal relationship and thank you for tolerating the growing pains that we went through to get established. Being veteran’s and having served in Vietnam we both understood the security mission. How we got there, was a different story. We had our bouts, but it was all for the good, and at the end of the day we were a solid team. More importantly, I knew that you and your fine police department had my back and that Lambert had one of the best security postures in the country. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Thank you and RIP my good friend!
May the Mason family find peace and comfort in the Lord’s mercy at this time of sorrow. Mrs. Mason and family may God bless you all.
Sincerely, Debra Thomas (TSA)
I had the pleasure of having Paul as a Friend and met him thru my Position as A Lambert Airport Commissioner in St Louis. He was a True Professional as Chief of Police for Lambert…and he will be missed. To the Mason Family, Your Loss is Heavens gain.