Mason Lewis Burns

| December 13, 2018

Mason Lewis Burns of Clarion made his final curtain call and took a final bow in Slippery Rock on December 12, 2018, at 18 years of age.

Mason was born on April 15, 2000, the son of Susan A. Eshbaugh-Schmader and Robert V. Burns, Jr., both of whom survive. His mother often kidded Mason and called him, “her little tax deduction.” He was currently enrolled as a student at Slippery Rock University and was a 2018 honors graduate of Keystone High School.

Mason is survived by his parents, Susan A. Schmader (Howard) of Clarion, and Robert V. Burns, Jr. (Jennifer Criner), also of Clarion; his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Kathryn Marie Eshbaugh of Shippenville; his paternal grandfather, Robert V. Burns, Sr., of Myrtle Beach, SC; his maternal aunts, Debra Irwin (Randy) of Grove City, Patricia Rowe (Kenna) of Shippenville, and Heidi Piper of Colleyville, TX; his paternal uncle, Roland V. Burns (Tammy) of Clarion; and his paternal aunt, Rebecca V. Shick (Rocky) of Rimersburg.

He is also survived by his many cousins, Catherine “C.J.”, Jacob, Alissa, Amanda, Anna, Brody, Shaley, and Lexey; his step-siblings, Benton and Maci Reichart; his fur baby Miya; and his best friend Rachel Riley; along with a huge extended family and innumerable friends.

Mason was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Carolyn Burns; and an uncle, Curtis Piper.

Wherever he went, Mason was larger than life. Not only because he was tall, but because this gentle giant was so caring and sincere. He had a smile that was infectious and he took great delight in making those around him smile and laugh.

He was baptized and confirmed into the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at Shippenville where he was a member of the choir, and was also active as an altar attendant at Christ Episcopal Church in Oil City. He was a member of the Edenburg Lodge F&A Masons in Knox, and was a Rotary Youth Leadership Award winner in the summer of 2017.

As a student at Keystone, Mason was well known for his talents on the stage, having been an active participant or lead in six musicals. He was also a member of the Concert Choir, the Concert Band, the Marching Band, and the Select Ensemble. He was recognized for these achievements by receiving the 2018 Arion Award and the 2018 Musician of the Year Award from the Keystone Music Association. Mason was also a member of the National Honor Society. He was pursuing a degree in chiropractic medicine at Slippery Rock University.

Mason was equally at home in the classroom, on the stage, on the track, or in the pool. He was a spectacular swimmer who swam for the Clarion River Sharks and the Franklin Flyers with the YMCA and as an independent swimmer representing Keystone High School.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion, where visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. A Masonic service will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Main Street, Shippenville, to be followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Father Mark Elliston of Christ Episcopal will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mason’s name to the Keystone Music Association, c/o Keystone High School, 700 Beatty Ave., Knox PA 16232; or to the Mason Lewis Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o Edenburg Lodge #550, Post Office Box 556, Knox PA 16232.

Friends and family may send online condolences, share pictures and memories, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.


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Category: Obituaries