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Dr. Wilbur Mason Isiminger, age 96, entered into eternal peace surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the residence of his son, Thomas and daughter-in-law, Barbara, in Dillonvale, OH, where “Mason” called home since 2013. He was born November 24, 1917 in Greene County, Pa to George and Maggie Griffith-McCracken Isiminger. Mason grew up and resided in Moundsville, WV for almost his entire life. His Alma Mater was the former Moundsville High School, from which he graduated in 1936. After high school, he attended West Liberty State College where he received a Bachelors of Science in Advanced Mathematics in 1940. He began teaching at Moundsville High School and then Linsly Military Academy before joining the Air Force in 1941 and serving for 5 years. He served as a courier under General Harold “Hap” Arnold in the Pacific theater. He later transferred to the 9th Army Air Force in England. He eventually served in France after the D day invasion and was in combat during the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged honorably in 1945, achieving the rank of Captain. Upon completion of his military service, Mason went on to further his education at the Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, from which he graduated in 1948 with a doctorate in Optometry. He returned to Moundsville and started his private Optometry practice in 1948, which he successfully ran for 53 years before retiring in October of 2001. Mason married Valta Miller in 1949 in Wheeling, WV. Both preferring pet names to their given names, they lovingly called each other Ding and Suzie and were happily and faithfully married for 49 years. Being very social in nature, they enjoyed a large circle of friends and especially Summer Dances at the Pine Room featuring Big Band Music. Mason was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church; was an avid reader and enjoyed Bowling on the Elk’s Team; deer and turkey hunting, and golfing at the Moundsville Country Club. Everywhere he went, Mason had a different nickname. A member of the Moundsville Lions Club, “Doc” was famous for his humor, and also served as past president, as well as Lion #1, the Chapter’s oldest member. “Ike” was on the WV State Board of Optometry, as well as a member of the WV Optometric Association, where he served as past president. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 siblings; his beloved wife, Suzie; and their infant children, James and Beth. Mason is survived by his son, John R., and wife, Joan of League City, TX; his son, Thomas and wife, Barbara of Dillonvale, OH; his daughter, Karen Isiminger of Dillonvale, and his three grandchildren, Cameron, Mariel, and Sophia Isiminger. A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943.

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Dr. Wilbur Mason Isiminger

November 24, 1917 - September 28, 2014