Charles Kramer, of Mason, passed away on Friday, February 18, at the age of 82.  Mr. Kramer is survived by his wife Nancy Kramer, of Mason, son Richard Brian Kramer and his wife Toby and their four children Caiden, Camdyn, Kylie and Mahalie, all of Barksdale, Texas, and daughter Celeste Michele Kramer of Mason, and many extended family members throughout the state.

Charles was born in Fredericksburg, Texas January 24, 1940 to Arthur Kramer and Meta Barth Kramer. As a young child, Charles and his family moved to Mason County. Charles attended and graduated from the Mason School System, where he played basketball and baseball.After graduation Charles pursued his life-long passion of building things with his hands. Be it something small or a brand-new home the job was done right the first time. Charles also believed in a life of service and giving back to his community serving as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years. Between his work and service Charles loved to go fishing and to feed family and friends with the bounty of his catch.

Charles met Nancy Merck in 1976 at the annual Mason Fire Department BBQ and dance.  They married June 16th, 1979.  Charles and Nancy went on to have two children, Celeste and Richard.  In an accident that would have killed lesser persons, Charles fought, struggled and worked to not only sit up again but to walk again.  In his sudden retirement Charles fulfilled a lifelong dream to have a little place out in the country with some cattle.

Charles loved his family, his large stature only surpassed by the size of his heart. The majority of that big heart was filled with love and beaming pride in his grandchildren.  No matter the sport or activity, be it football, basketball, track, cross country, stock shows or whatever other activities the kids participated in, his eyes lit up, a big grin crossed his face and love radiated from him as he relayed their latest achievements.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Meta Kramer, his brothers Stanley and Curtis Kramer, and his baby sister Peggy Brooks.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the Mason Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitation with the family will be Monday, February 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Mason.  Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.