Mason Edmonds Shumate , 85, died peacefully at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Friday morning, Sept. 2, 2005, surrounded by his loving family, friends and NVRH staff. Born April 14, 1920, in Beckley, W.Va., he was the son of Ray Mason and Nettie (Edmonds) Shumate. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 48 years, Beverly Cox, who passed away Sept. 11, 1993. Mason graduated from high school at the age of 16 and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18. A World War II Navy veteran, he served aboard the USS Augusta at D-Day and later in the Pacific Theater, attaining the rank of chief petty officer. Mason met Beverly Cox in Portland, Maine, on leave from the Navy during World War II. They married Jan. 3, 1945, before he went to the Pacific. In retail furniture sales most of his working career, Mason was employed at Sullivan's Furniture in St. Johnsbury, Paul's Wayside Furniture in Lyndon and Brink's in St. Johnsbury. After retirement, he was a valuable part-time employee at Sayles Funeral Home. Mason volunteered at the Fairbanks Museum and was a longtime exhibitor at their annual Craft Day where he demonstrated his chair caning skills. He also volunteered for the St. Johnsbury Academy Alumni Association, was active in the Four Seasons Neighborhood, and served as an election worker for the town of St. Johnsbury. He is survived by his son, David Shumate and his wife Lyla of Siler City, N.C. (313 No. Garden Ave. 27344); his daughter, Ellen Havlak and her husband Rick of Bennington, Vt. (309 Elm St. 05201); and his three beloved grandsons: Brandon Shumate, Christopher and Neil Havlak. Mason was also a father and grandfather figure to an extended family. He was predeceased by two sisters, Iris and Evelyn. A funeral Mass will be celebrated this Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cremation will follow the Mass with family committal services later in the week at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home, Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions, marked in Mason's name, could be directed to either: The Fairbanks Museum, 1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to the St. Johnsbury Academy, P.O. Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.