BY JOETTE KUNSE
Special to the Clarkston News
Milford T. Mason was a “Clarkston Man,” said Dale Ryan, voice of the Wolves, when discussing the recent passing of Milford Mason, former Clarkston superintendent of schools.
Mason is one of five men who headed Clarkston Schools when it consolidated in the early 1950s. Mason served as the district’s second superintendent, from 1976 to 1988. He grew up in the small town of Charlotte, Mich. During his high school years, he played football and basketball, as well as the trumpet in the high school band. He was in high school during the Second World War and was often asked to leave class and go to the funeral home or cemetery to play Taps at funerals.

After graduating from Charlotte High School, Mason went to Alma College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and then on to Michigan State University earning a Master’s in Education. Before coming to Clarkston in 1961, Mason taught in Vermontville and was principal at Middleville High School. He also served in the National Guard.
During his first years in education in the Vermontville and Middleville School Districts, his daughter, Marsha Mercado, said, “he served as teacher, coach, school bus driver and probably custodian.”
The former Clarkston High School on Waldon Road was new in 1961 when Mason took over the principalship.
One of his Middleville High School students, who would eventually join Mason in Clarkston, was Paul Tungate, retired Clarkston Athletic Director, math teacher and coach. Tungate remembers Mason as a good principal who always talked with students.
“Milford Mason really liked the students,” Tungate said. “He was also very supportive of the teachers.”
Barb Gibson, a fellow teacher, agreed with Tungate, Mason was supportive for teachers and students.
“For me, he was always available, his door was always open. He talked to the students, he was just an outstanding person and a pleasure to teach under,” she said.
Prior to becoming superintendent, Mason served as transportation director, handled special education, and was assistant superintendent for Clarkston Schools. During his time at Clarkston, the district grew from 1,500 students to over 4,000. The small farming community became a suburb where young families were moving for a country feeling.
Mason added gymnasiums/multi-purpose rooms to each of the elementaries. He is credited with adding the gifted programs to the elementary and junior high schools during his tenure.
Mel Vaara, former assistant superintendent of Clarkston Schools, said, “Mason worked for the district and believed in the district. He gave 100 percent to the district and he was an honest person.”
Pastor Robert Walters served on the Clarkston School Board during Mason’s tenure as superintendent. The board and the administration were faced with two strikes during that time. Walters tells the story of being frustrated about the strike and the possibility of not getting school started on time.
“Mason was dead tired after the negotiations,” Walters said.
Mason told Walters the teachers and the board were $20,000 apart over a three-year contract. Walters recollected that the two of them decided to end the strike and not lose any student days. Walters remembers Mason as a tireless worker for the district.
Daughter Marcia Mercado said, “my dad was a voracious reader, reading four newspapers a day. He was also an avid sports fan.”
She remembered hanging out at the high school when growing up with her brothers.
Mercado said her dad was “outdoorsy” and they would camp every summer. He supported the community and was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Clarkston Dance Club.
“Dad was a practical man and down to earth. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather,” she said.
Mason passed away on April 26 and is survived by his wife Joann, sons Michael (Christine) Mason, Gordon (Nancy) Mason, Gary (Debby) Mason, and Marcia (Bruce) Mercado. He was the grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 17.

  clarkston schools, Mildford Mason