Hunter Layne Mason
In early April 2022, at the age of 22, Hunter Layne Mason, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Hunter fought a brief but courageous battle before passing away on May 31, 2022.
Hunter was born October 19, 1999 to parents Marc and Carrie Mason. Hunter was a "blessing of a child." He was a wonderful son, brother, and friend.
Hunter was a 2018 graduate of Nevada High School where he was a student athlete, playing basketball and football, excelling both on and off the field. Hunter graduated with honors as Valedictorian of his class, was the recipient of the 2018 Roger Kennedy Award, the 2018 Patrick Quest Award, and the 2018 Male Scholar Athlete Award. He was also a four-year recipient of the Laurel's GPA Award.
During his football career at Nevada High School, Hunter was recognized for his contribution on both sides of the ball, playing tight end and linebacker. Hunter's recognition for these efforts included four-year letter winner, Team Captain, and NHS Offensive Player of the year. Over his three years as a starter, he earned numerous postseason area accolades including Honorable Mention, 2nd Team and 1st Team selections from All Southwest Missouri Coaches Association, All West Central Conference, Missouri football Coaches Association All-State, Missouri Academic All-State, All District, and All Southwest Missouri Region.
In the fall of 2018, Hunter became a fighting Leatherneck when he earned a full Division I football scholarship to play football and pursue his academic goals at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, Illinois. Hunter graduated magna cum laude with his undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University in May 2021 and was continuing his collegiate football career while pursuing his graduate degree in Sport Management.
During his time at WIU, Hunter participated in Dickens on the Square as "The Grinch", WIU's Dance Marathon to benefit Children's Miracle Network, and Tim Tebow's Night to Shine. Hunter was the recipient of numerous academic and athletic awards including 2021 WIU Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration (RPTA) Outstanding Senior Award, three-time Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Academic Honor Roll selection, two-time All-Academic MVFC Honorable Mention, two-time MVFC Commissioner's Excellence List of Academic Excellence award winner, MVFC President's Council Academic Excellence Award, and All-MVFC Honorable Mention linebacker in 2021 and the 2022 Wespy's Courage Award.
Hunter was a hard worker and known for being selfless, humble, and kind. He had an infectious personality, was dedicated to his faith, and loved his hometown, his football community, his friends, and his family.
