William Mason Shehan Jr.

William Mason Shehan, Jr. died on Monday, February 20, 2006 at his house peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on June 1, 1914 to the late William Mason, Sr. and Nellie Grace Shehan, Mason attended Easton High School and graduated in 1931, attended Mercersburg Academy from 1931-1933, and Duke University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937. While at Duke he ran the 100yd dash to qualify for the 1936 Olympics. He joined the Navy in 1939 and began his service as an Ensign. He attended flight school at Pensacola, Florida and served active duty with the original “Black Cats” VP-12 squadron. Mason served at Pearl Harbor, HA on December 7, 1941 and was active in Guam. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Commander after 7 years of service. Mason became a Senator for Talbot County in the Maryland State Legislature in 1950 and served one term. He was re-elected for a second term but had accepted a position with Beech Aircraft Corporation. In accepting this position, the family moved to Washington, D.C. Later, he accepted a position with Northrop Corporation and was liaison to the U.S. Navy. After leaving Northrop, he became the Assistant Secretary to the Waterway Improvement Department for the Maryland DNR. In 1979, he retired from the DNR as Director of Tidal Fisheries Administration. Mason was an avid sailor, having sailed in seven World’s Championships placing 6th in the1949 Star Boat Championships. He was navigator and co-captain on Clayton Ewing’s “Dina” when it won the Newport-Bermuda Cup Race. Mason’s nickname during those times was “Magellan.” Mason enjoyed hunting. He was a member of the Legal Limit Dove Hunting Club of Talbot County. Mason traveled to England, Spain, Argentina and Scotland on hunting expeditions. William Mason Shehan, Jr. is survived by his loving wife Jean duPont Shehan and her children J. Kai and Marion Lassen, Randy and Susan Rinehart, and James H.T.Jr. and Mary McConnell,; and grandchildren Kevin and Stephanie Keen, Jeremy and Caroline LaMaster, Will Lassen and Tyler Lassen. His children Bill and Sandra Nell Priebe and their children Kimberly Bradon and her husband Antonio and Kevin and great grandchildren Clayton and Jayden. Helen F. Shehan and her children Helen Gale Shehan, Patricia Ann Shehan, William Mason Shehan, III, Robin Theresa Shehan and her husband 2nd Lt. Henry F. Noyes, R.N., Emma Shehan and her children Sally and Phillip Shehan and a grandson LCPL William Mason Shehan, IV. He was watched over by his dear friend and companion Carlos Goyeneche. He was predeceased by a daughter Susan Grace “Tu-Tu” and a brother Phillip “Tooke”. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church in Easton. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, Easton. Memorial donations may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, P.O. Box 636 St. Michaels, MD. 21663 or to the Athletic Dept. of Mercersburg College 300 East Seminary Street, Mercersburg, Pa. 17236; or the Athletic Dept of Duke University 2138 campus Drive Box 90586 Durham, N.C. 27708-0586. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A. Easton, Md.