Mason C Francom

Getting a kick out of himself or getting lost in deep thought was Mason’s main goal in life – he was sure to be entertained. If you were lucky enough to be in his presence you would be left with a new appreciation for thinking or exhausted from a good belly laugh, and you’d always have a smile on your face. 

He was the coolest guy in the neighborhood, in high school, at family parties, or at work. Everyone wanted to be near him. With his quick wit, quirky catchphrases, top-shelf humor, and – as Mason would call it – his “je ne sais quoi” (also known as the Francom charm) he won the hearts of most everyone. Mason transitioned suddenly from this life in the early morning of February 23, 2024, at his childhood home in Santaquin, Utah. Having him for only 48 years will never be long enough for those who loved and adored him. 

He was born in Payson, Utah on January 18, 1976, to Paul David Francom and Ruth Lee Wall, whom he loved very much. Mason was able to spend some of his last days with his mom, which made him happy knowing the time they spent together brought them both joy. Mason loved and was proud of his family. He was the second of 5 boys, and one of his favorite places to be was surrounded by them. Together those boys had hours and hours of non-stop comedy and laughter. Their personal jokes and loving digs are infamous and will go down in Francom family history. 

Being an athletic family whose lives often revolved around sports, they could turn any space into a football field or sport court. After witnessing a football game being played in the rain, the boys decided to bring the hose in from outside and water down the living room floor to get a better idea of “how it would really be” while playing knee ball. Countless times night turned into day while they played video games from Super Mario, NCAA, Madden, 2K, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, Rocket League, and of course Tecmo Bowl. They proved that gaming was far from just something to rot the brain – it was a time to bond and, most importantly, make loving memories. “Squeemember that.” 

As a child, Mason loved sports, and at a young age he fell in love with BYU football. “Not so much the school, but for sure the football team.” He spent many hours at LaVell Edwards Stadium with family and friends. If you asked him where he’d like to travel at any point in time, his answer would always be, “Wherever BYU’s next away game is.” He could find joy in the simplest of pleasures by being content with what he loved. 

Mason attended Payson High School before studying nursing at Utah Valley University. His creativity and intellect were nothing short of genius. Most things came effortlessly to Mason. He was a man of many talents, and learning new things was easy for him. Following the steps of his late father, Mason was a nurse for 20 years working at various rehabilitation and long-term care facilities. He was extremely proficient and skilled at his craft. He was favored among his patients and colleagues. 

Mason met the love of his life, Melanie Ewell, in 1996. His charm, tenderness, and humor quickly swept her off her feet. They were married on May 8, 1999. Mason and Melanie had two sons, Andrew Mason and Barrett Paul. Spending time with his sons, teaching, guiding, and supporting them were among his top priorities. He was eager to share his knowledge, passions, and beliefs with them from movies, science, and philosophy, to music and art, shaping them to be well-rounded, free-thinking men. Fatherhood was one of his greatest joys. 

Mason will always be remembered for his contagious spirit, gravitating energy, and his quiet, calm demeanor. He made everyone around him feel safe. He was complex, gentle, he loved unconditionally, he was a father, a best friend, a good listener, a deep thinker, resilient, strong, always rooting for the underdog, empathetic, and “big guy”… he stood as our beacon of light. 

We will miss him every day and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. 

Mason was preceded in death by his father, his Aunt Dorine, his cousin Bret, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife and children, his mother, and his four brothers, Austin, Mark, Kyle, and Blake. 

Services will be held Monday, March 4, 2024, at the LDS church at 90 S. 200 E. in Santaquin, Utah. Visitation will begin from 9:30 a.m-10:45 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Interment services will follow at the Santaquin City Cemetery.