County Extension Coordinator,
Barbour County (retired)
Inducted November 10, 2011
If you see a yellow bus loaded with 4-H youth, you just might see Charles R. (Charlie) Mason at the wheel. To better serve youth in Barbour County, Mason obtained a COL license, allowing him to drive a county school bus for 4-H trips.
Mason came to Barbour County in the mid-1980s as an assistant county agent where he began his career as an Extension professional working with production agriculture. He advised clients on crops and livestock. He also assisted with 4-H through livestock judging teams and the 4-H steer and heifer programs.
Mason became the county Extension coordinator in 1995 and continued his work in production agriculture and 4-H. He has been involved in the 4-H forestry judging teams, livestock judging teams, land judging teams, and the 4-H steer and heifer programs throughout his tenure as the CEC.
Mason enjoyed 4-H events and activities. He was a permanent fixture on 4-H trips to youth camps, youth leadership activities, and field trips. His input to the youth of Barbour County was invaluable and the youth always enjoyed his input to the 4-H program.
His willingness to serve in whatever capacity – coordinator, bus driver, chaperon, or educator – needed to help the youth of Barbour County is just one of the traits that are greatly missed because of his retirement from Extension earlier this year. His grandchildren have been the light of his life, and we expect to see him soon with them involved in 4-H.
Nominated by Barbour County Extension
