John C. Mast

John Chester Mast was born to Maurice E. Mast and Anita S. Held Mast on June 15, 1941 in Emporia, Kansas. He spent his childhood in Burlington, Kansas and got his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 5. John was always a very industrious person who loved helping his mother and older sister work to keep up the hotel they lived in; including ironing sheets and helping in the kitchen. He also rode his bicycle home from school each lunch hour and would eat a quick lunch, and then ride over to the Skelly station his father owned and operated. He would work at the station so his dad could eat lunch and then ride back to school for the rest of the day.

He became a big equipment operator as a teenager when the John Redmond Dam was built. He had a passion for cars, but he also had a passion for a pretty little student at Burlington High. John and Dorothy Jean Bemis were married in 1963 after high school and they moved to Emporia. He began classes at Emporia State University shortly before the sudden death of his father. That event gave him a desire to stop his education and try to help his mom. He also started his first job in Emporia at Didde Glaser. They soon found he had a knack of putting things together and teaching others around him how to do it too. It was not long before he was the shop foreman. They also had their first son Shane in 1964 and Dorothy was operating a beauty shop in Emporia. Shawn, in 1967 was born a few years later, and shortly after that Shauni, in 1968, lovingly known as “Bug” to the family, was born.

John worked hard long hours to help provide for the needs of his family. They were able to build a beautiful home outside of Emporia and to enjoy the wide open spaces of living in the country. He later left Didde Glaser under very good terms to begin a business, Kansa, 1977 with Jerry Wadell and Ron Swint. The business became very successful but Dorothy’s diabetes worsened and John felt compelled to sell out of the business to care for her. He started a small business in Emporia with his son Shane Mast, Mast Engineering/ Kan Fab and also a car refurbishing business with his son Shawn, Classic . Shawn gave John two granddaughters, Dacia and Miranda.

Dorothy died, Feb.8, 2002 and left John with a huge void in his life. He later was introduced to Peggy Long in August of that year and they began dating in September. John and Peggy were married on April 18, 2003. She was able to enjoy a wonderful relationship with him for over 23 years, and her family was able to appreciate his willingness to help at family get togethers, entertain their grandchildren from Peggy’s side of the family, and have lots of great times on trips, church, and fellowship with others. John died peacefully September 5, in the home he loved

Memorial Servies will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Flint Hills Bible Church, 1836 East U.S. Hiway 50, Emporia, Kansas. Cremation is planned.

A memorial has been established with the church. Contributions may be sent to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.