Mason McLauren Willis

The Rev. Dr. Mason M Willis, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Mason was born in rural Fountain Inn, South Carolina, one of six children born to J. Mell and Lonnie (Scott) Willis. He had a happy childhood with wonderful parents. He was educated in the rural schools and graduated from Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC, and after serving in the US Army, Korean War, he attended the Divinity School at Duke University where he earned the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees, and in 1974 the Doctor of Ministry degree from The Iliff School of Theology, Denver. Being a lifelong learner Mason studied further at the Ecumenical Institute, Geneva Switzerland, The Orthodox Seminary, St. Petersburg, Russia, and The Pacific School of Religion, California.

Mason was ordained as a Methodist Minister in 1955 and served 15 years with the National Board of Missions. While in Hawaii he served a plantation church, the suburban church at Pearl Harbor and established and chartered a new church in Ewa Beach, Oahu. He was then assigned (along with a talented Board of Directors) to start a project in Salt Lake City, Utah, which became the Crossroads Urban Center to serve youth and families in drug and other marginalized situations. After 51 years it is still operating, having changed with the times to meet differing needs.

In 1970 Mason joined the Rocky Mountain Conference where he served at Trinity, Denver, First UMC Pueblo, Lakewood UMC and as District Superintendent of the Peaks and Plains District. His last appointment was to Englewood UMC (now Spirit of Hope). Following his retirement in 1993 he served as Interim Pastor at St. Paul's UMC, Boulder, Castle Rock UMC, Estes Park UMC and twice at Mancos UMC.

Mason was always involved in local and denominational affairs, having served the UMC Urban Ministries Network, UMC Rural Fellowship, chaired the Utah Board of Aging, and was Adjunct Faculty of Iliff School of Technology in Field Education. He was involved with the Denver Urban Ministries, Jeffco Action Center, Denver Ecumenical Refuge Services; with Federal funds he started a program for Seniors in downtown Denver. He served his year on the Colorado Grand Jury. All who knew him were touched by his kindness, wisdom and good humor. He always saw the best in people and situations.

Mason is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty Cross) of 65 years; children J. Marcus (Julia Evans) Willis, of Corvallis, Oregon; Nani Willis (Steve) Arning of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren Kristin (Alex) Willis-Reyes of Salem, Oregon; Jennifer Willis of Corvallis, Oregon; John Arning of Los Angeles, California; Anna Arning of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and great grandchild Emme Reyes; two brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. Condolences may be sent to the family at 2445 So. Quebec St., #B102, Denver, 80231.