Robert Guy Mason, 1939–2024

Mar 1, 2024

THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER
Oklahoma Press Association

Robert Guy Mason, former publisher of the Okemah (Oklahoma) News-Leader, died January 28, 2024. He was 84.

Born October 12, 1939, in Mound Valley, Kansas, Mason and his mother moved to Norman, Oklahoma, when he was 5.

Mason graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1963 and joined the Pauls Valley Democrat as advertising manager.

After marrying Joyce Ann Helmer in 1964, the couple moved to Frederick in 1965 when Guy became advertising manager there.

The Masons moved to Oklahoma City in 1968 when he was employed by the Oklahoma Publishing Company in display advertising. He was named Salesman of the Year in 1970.

In 1975, the Masons purchased 51% of the Okemah News Leader, which was published twice a week.

Several years later they became sole owners of the Okemah newspaper.

Mason served as president of the Okemah Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. He also served eight years in the Oklahoma National Guard.
The Masons sold the News Leader in 2008 but remained in Okemah until Guy’s death.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife and celebrated his 80th birthday by skydiving with his grandchildren. He followed that up by buying a Corvette the next year.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Ann Mason; daughters Michelle Parrick and Melinda Wall; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.