James Henry “Hank” Mason, 93, of Astoria, died Friday, July 15, 2005 at the Astor House in Astoria.

Mr. Mason was born Jan. 22, 1912 in Claremore, Okla., to Marion and Loumima (Christian) Mason. He was the 10th of 12 children.

The family moved to Southern California in 1921. Mr. Mason graduated from Point Loma High school in San Diego. He was in the Civilian Conservation Corps. during the Great Depression. He married Pauline Virginia Hughes in 1937. She died in 2002.

The staff at the Astor House said they all enjoyed his singing. Family members said he was the “King of Corn,” and that he was a good husband, good dad and favorite uncle to many.

Mr. Mason is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, James Jr. and Sherri Mason of Petaluma, Calif., David and Diana Mason of Clayton Valley, Calif., and Peter and Lori Mason of Astoria; three daughters, Nora Mason of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Virginia Mason of Placerville, Calif., and Sheila and her life partner, Christine Makay of South Pasadena, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, Sarah, Justin, David, Michael and Venice Mason, Jennifer Schladweiler, Jennifer Teague, Kathy Guzman, Emily Calderwood, Patrick and Robert Mackey/Mason; and numerous nephews and nieces including Sue Osterman and Judy Woods.

Mr. Mason was preceded in death by a grandson, Kenny Mason, and great-grandson, Evan Mason.

Mr. Mason’s ashes will be scattered, co-mingled with his wife’s at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary and Crematory in Astoria is in charge of arrangements.