Walter Elvin Mason, 85, a longtime Libby resident died Wednesday Feb. 8, 2012, at the Libby Care Center in Libby from natural causes.

He was born May 12, 1926, in Troy, Mont., to Walter and Edith Scott Mason.

He grew up and attended school in Troy and graduated from Troy High School with the class of 1944. He served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines and Japan.

During his life he worked for Zonolite, Crismore Logging and J Neil’s Lumber Co.

Walt was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Shriners and of the Masonic Lodge. He had also been a member of Good Sam’s and enjoyed traveling.

Recently, Walter received a 50-year pin for his long membership with the American Legion.

Walt was an avid fisherman. Walt’s three wives Nellie, Mary and Mary Rose as well as a stepson Ronald and a brother Ed preceded him in death.

Survivors include a son Walter Mason Jr. and wife Tracey of Casa Grande, Ariz; a daughter Linda Fields of Texas; step-children Diana Mole and husband David of Missoula, Mont.; Mark Bitterman of South Carolina; Carol Burriss and husband Bill of Libby; Barbara Didier and husband Fred of Long View, Wash; LeeRoy Hoffman and wife Shela of Buhl, Minn.; Sharon Michels and husband Jerry of Libby; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date.

Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.