Lonnie Mason

Lonnie Mason, 88, of Lubbock, Texas, a well known professional artist, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday morning, June 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife Nita.  Lonnie was born on March 13, 1935, in Gordon, Garza County, Texas, to the late Connie Lee Mason and Edna (Gerner) Mason.

Lonnie attended and graduated in 1953 from Southland ISD.  Following graduation, he attended Texas Tech University.

Lonnie met the love of his life, Nita Hopper, and they were united in marriage on September 20, 1980, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Lonnie’s early art training was at The Ramon Froman School of Art in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, a large school with students from the United States and other countries.  He taught classes there for about 15 years.  His continued art studies included The Arts Students League in New York City with the well known portrait painter, Everett Raymond Kinstler.

Lonnie’s works are in both private and public collections, such as the former Baker Gallery of Fine Art in Lubbock, the School of Law at the University of Texas and at the Diamond M Foundation in Snyder.  He was honored to be asked to paint the portraits of several deans and professors, where they currently reside in the School of Law at Texas Tech University, such as Al Allison, Byron Fullerton, Frank Newton, Roy Howell and Don Hunt.  He also spent much of his time teaching workshops in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona and Kansas.  A compelling desire to do the best work possible was always his motivation for painting and he felt that his love for creative work was his only valid reason for painting.  He has exhibited in a number of galleries in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, with his favorite being The Baker Gallery in Lubbock, where he showed with outstanding artists such as Henriette Wyeth and Wilson Hurley.

Lonnie’s awards included Best of Show at a Diamond M Foundation exhibit, Best of Show at Ponca City Artist Association in Oklahoma, as well as an award at The American Artists Professional League in New York City.

Prior to his death, Lonnie was a member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City and the Portrait Society of America in Tallahassee, Florida.  He was a former member of the Lubbock Art Association, Artist and Craftsmen of Dallas, Coppini Academy in San Antonio and the American Artists Professional League in New York City.  He was also a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist in Lubbock.  He served in the United States Army, followed by the Army Reserves.

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include his wife, Nita, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.

A time of reflection and visitation for Lonnie will be from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in the Oak Crest Suite at Combest Family Funeral Home in Lubbock.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the Combest Family Memorial Chapel.  Randall Herrera, from Hospice of Lubbock, will be the officiant.  Final rites and interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

The pallbearers will be Ray Mason, Wes Mason, Ben Mason, Doug Hoelscher, Fritz Gerner and Kennith Gerner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in his memory to Hospice of Lubbock at 3702 21st Street, Lubbock, TX 79410, or the Serendipity Suites at 5321 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407.

To view the livestream of Lonnie’s service, go to www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com and click on the obituary tab.  Near the bottom of the obituary will be a tab to click on to watch the service, which will go live approximately 10 minutes prior to the service time.