Mason Diehl

Mason Trafford Diehl, Jr. , 69, entered a peaceful rest and joined the Lord on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, following a month-long battle with post-surgery complications.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Trafford and Ellen; brother, Tom; and sister-in-law, Dolly Diehl.

Mason graduated from Beall High School in 1966.  He then served in the U.S. Navy where he was in charge of radar control, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He could fix anything that was broken and there was nothing he couldn’t build.  He was an electrician and head custodian at Eckhart School for 20 years.  Mason was an avid golfer who had a love/hate relationship with the sport but never stopped trying to improve his game. He loved riding his motorcycle and working on his 5 Honda’s. To know him…was to LOVE him! His unforgettable smile could bring sunshine to the dreariest of days.  Mason was loved by everyone who knew him and was a confidante to anyone who needed one.  He leaves behind many special friends who loved, respected and admired him and will be deeply missed by all.

Surviving is his wife and best friend, Esther (his “E”), the love of his life for 40 years, who will miss him more than words can say; two brothers, Frank Diehl of Lewisville, NC, and Harry Diehl and wife Marlene of Midlothian; sister-in-law, Susan Burke and husband Bruce of Frostburg; nephews, Alan Diehl and wife Kathy of Midlothian, Mark Diehl and wife Sharon of Cumberland, Jeff Diehl and wife Carole of Frostburg and David Diehl of Garrett County; nieces, Barb and husband Jim of Florida, Tammy and daughter Deanna of Mechanicsville; great nephews, Drake and Hunter Diehl and Corey and Logan Stahl.

Also surviving are two very special nieces he considered his beautiful daughters, who he unconditionally “fathered” through every stage of their life, Sheila Andresky and husband Doug of Pittburgh, PA, and Shellie Vernon and husband Brad of Smithfield, NC, and one very special great nephew, Ben Andresky, who loved Mason as his grandfather, and spent many weekends of his childhood at his house.  Mason’s love and influence contributed to the great person he is today.

Per Mason’s wishes, he will be cremated with no viewing or funeral service.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Rocky Gap Veteran’s Cemetery, which also happens to be located next to one of his favorite golf courses.