Illustriana Kansas, page 741
Willis Ray Mason, registered pharmacist, was born at Howard,
Kansas, October 2, 1901, son of Lewis Frederick and Nora Katherine
(Keller) Mason. The father was born in Howard on July 22, 1873,
and is a prominent farmer and stockman descended from successful
pioneer settlers in Kansas and Iowa. Nora Katherine Keller was
born in Bourbon County, Indiana, August 17, 1875, of German
ancestry. Her father was a veteran of the Civil War, having
served with the Union Army. Her parents were born in Germany.
In 1916 Mr. Mason was graduated from the Howard public schools
and in 1920 from Howard High School. His early life was spent in
a rural community and after completing his high school training he
started in the drug business in the employ of William E. Allen at
Howard, Kansas, continuing until 1924. After this he attended
Kansas University and on May 7, 1926, passed the state board
examination. Since that time he has been engaged in the retail
drug business independently at Howard. A Democrat, he has served
on the city council at Howard.
Active in civic affairs and interested in local business
conditions, he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Masons, the
Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. He is active in Golf Club
activities, and is an ardent golfer, fisher, and motorist. His
hobbies are reading, and experimental work. (Photograph in Album).
Residence: Howard.
Submitted by L. Morgan
