Leonard Ezra "Ma" Cason, Jr. RIP

WWII 80th Fighter Squadron member Leonard Ezra "Ma" Cason, Jr. RIP

Once again we received sad news.  This email came to us from Lois Cason Eldridge, daughter of WWII Headhunter Armament Specialist MSgt Ezra "Ma" Cason.  Ezra was a long time and active Headhunters Association member.  He attended several reunions, the last being in 2010 in Colorado Springs.  You can read more about Ma in our History (WWII Memoirs) section. Farewell friend, you will be missed by all.

"Dear Tex Ritter and Driver Mac McNeese,

I am sad to inform you that my father died February 11, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 99 years old 8 months and 11 days.  He was helping us plan his 100th birthday on June 12, 2018. Attached is a photo of the flag presented to his wife Isabel Cason by 3 Army Intelligence volunteers at the funeral on Feb 16th 2018 at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville.  These three young men stayed and visited with our family after the service, and were fascinated by his Army scrapbook that I had made him several years ago.  They volunteer to do the presentation of the flag to the widows on their own time.  Our family had contacted the VFW, and these three terrific young Army men were the ones who came.  I also attached a picture of my dad and Cyclone Davis at the 2010 Colorado Springs Reunion.  He will be greatly missed by his wife, 3 daughters, and 1 son along with their families, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Thank you for publishing his story of his 98th birthday in the Newsletter a year or so ago. His obituary mentions the 80th Fighter Squadron (which is also attached).

Sincerely,

Lois Cason Eldridge

Oldest Daughter"

Isabel Cason

"Ma" Cason (L) and "Cyclone" Davis (R) 2010 Colorado Springs Reunion

MSgt Cason (Bottom Right) with his brothers

Leonard Ezra Cason, Jr., 99, of Charlottesville, Va. passed away on February 11, 2018. He was born in Ivy, Virginia, on June 12, 1918, to the late Leonard Ezra Cason, Sr. and Mary Lee Pittman Cason. He was married to Isabel S. Cason for 66 years. He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles, Lee, Ralph, and Jack Cason; one brother-in-law, Ralph Roberts; and two sisters-in-law, Hope and Hazel Cason. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters, Lois Eldridge (Dave) of Colorado, Susan Rollins (Tim), and Cathy Hodock (Frank) of Gloucester, Va.; his son, Leonard "Sandy" Ezra Cason, III; five grandchildren, Amy VanValkenburg, Julie Prall, and Frank Joseph Hodock, III of Colorado, and T. Lee Rollins, II and Jesse Rollins (Angela) of Gloucester, Va.; 10 great-granchildren, one great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, William Cason (Carolyn) and George Cason, Sr.; one sister, Nancy Roberts; four sisters-in-law, Barbara and Frances Cason, Dorothea Reilly, and Irene Woodward; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends; notably his grand-dog, Bella. Leonard served honorably as a MSgt. for 5 years in the Army Air Corps 80th Fighter Squadron, during WWII. After his service, he worked at Blue Ridge School, and then retired from UVA Housing division after 30 years. He was an assistant Boy Scout leader, an assistant 4H leader, and a member of the vestry at Christ Episocpal Church. He was also a basket maker and instructor, loving husband, father, grandfather, and an all-around family man. He, his brothers, and his father were instrumental in starting the Charlottesville City Market. Leonard was a lifetime member of the local VFW. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, February 16, 2018, 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by a time of fellowship with the family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonard's memory can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Rescue Squad, or the local American Heart Association.