Edmund Burke Mason, II, 57, of Crofton, MD died May 19, 2011, at his home after a brief illness. He was born December 1, 1953, in New Orleans, the son of the late Ed Woods Mason and the late Sarah Elizabeth Matthews Mason. He was named after his paternal grandfather, a prominent New Orleans architect.

Mr. Mason, though born in New Orleans, grew up in Florida, St. John's in Newfoundland, Canada, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Giessen, Germany. He returned to Louisiana and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. He also completed a Masters degree in Management from Central Michigan University.

Upon graduating from college, Mr. Mason was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the US Air Force. He served in a variety of capacities including aircraft maintenance and logistics, and engineering. He was the Chief of Maintenance for four F-16 fighter squadrons (313th FS, 526 FS, 555 FS and 63rd FS). He also served as regional logistics director for HQ 16th AF in Europe. He served at Edwards AFB, CA, HQ Systems Command in Washington, Hahn and Ramstein Air Bases in Germany, Aviano AB, Italy, and Luke AFB, AZ. He was a member of the Parachute Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, CA early in his career, having earned his jump wings from the 82nd Airborne, US Army. His military duties included extensive involvement in the Middle East, Balkans and Africa.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Lt. Col Mason became a registered engineer for disaster relief at Royal College of Engineering, Great Britain, the only non-commonwealth roster member. He also worked as a defense contractor with MPRI, working in Washington and later Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. Lt. Col Mason published a book, To Be a Rose in 2008, chronicling his Afghanistan experience and his near death experience and recovery from a serious lung infection contracted in Afghanistan in 2005. He continued writing until his death.

Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Dr. Anne N. Bowen, and daughter, Allison Woods Mason of Crofton, MD. Also surviving are sisters Mary Wells of DeRidder, LA, Elizabeth Ferguson of Denton, TX, Melanie Seiberth of New Orleans, LA and Laurie Landry of LaFayette, LA, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Lt. Col Mason enjoyed writing, reading the classics, photography, world travel and raising his beloved daughter Allison. He was known for his great intellect and quick wit and his ability to overcome overwhelming obstacles. His college years work experience as a grave digger, bartender, news reporter, fast food manager and police officer, along with his upbringing in varied locations, helped him to converse with people of any walk of life. He loved talking to people and loved life.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 4-7 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be on May 31, 2011 at 1:00 pm in MD Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com