Milton Michel Masson

Milton Michel “Mike” Masson, age 83, passed away on July 12, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Later in life, Mike became affectionately known as “Milt” by the many new friends he made through church, his apartment community, and his later business ventures.

Born on July 27, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mike was the only child of Milton and Neva Masson. Though an only child, he was raised amid the love and support of an extended family, many of whom lived along the same street—Harbert Avenue. That street also held the home of Jane Teas, Mike’s childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 50 years, who preceded him in death in 2013.

Neva recognized Mike’s musical talent early on and nurtured it with the finest piano teachers in Memphis and enrollment at Deshazo College of Music. Her dedication paid off: after graduating from Central High School, Mike earned a scholarship to the prestigious music program at North Texas State. But ever the free spirit, he fell in love with jazz—particularly Erroll Garner’s “Misty,” which became “his and Jane’s song”—much to the dismay of his classical instructors back home.

After his freshman year, Mike returned to Memphis to care for his ailing father and support his mother. At the urging of his cousin Terry Ellers, her husband Jim hired Mike as a draftsman at his consulting engineering firm. By day, Mike studied electrical engineering at Christian Brothers College; by night, he worked to help provide for his family. He eventually earned his bachelor’s degree and began his professional career at Quaker Oats in Memphis.

Mike and Jane married soon after, and their journey took them to Kansas City, where Mike worked for Westinghouse, and then to Reno, Nevada, where he opened a regional office for Ellers enginnering. In 1968, they settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where Mike co-founded Sullivan and Masson—an Ellers subsidiary that became the largest consulting engineering firm in the state.

A man of deep conviction and civic engagement, Mike chaired the Western States Political Caucus during Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and later received two federal appointments in the 1980s. He co-founded the lobbying firm Masson, Grimm & Burgum but eventually returned to Phoenix, tired of travel, to pursue new ventures. In the 1990s, he partnered with John Ellers—Jim’s son—to develop the world’s largest crumb rubber manufacturing company using recycled tires.

Even after selling his shares in 2001, Mike remained active in business, exploring industries as diverse as nutraceuticals, automotive, and solar energy. He continued working into his early 80s with passion and purpose. Throughout his career, he served on numerous boards, including The Fund for American Studies, Family Service Agency, and AriSEIA.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, but perhaps most of all, he loved entertaining—whether through storytelling, humor, or music. A gifted pianist, he often shared his joy at the keys.

A devout Christian, Mike and Jane were founding members of Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale. He served faithfully for decades—as an officer, choir member, and active participant in the church community. He remained close with all three senior pastors who led Chaparral during his lifetime, and many church members became lifelong friends.

Mike is deeply mourned by his children, Michael Craig Masson and Michelle Paschke, who carry on his legacy of love, faith, and resilience. He and Jane were blessed with six grandchildren—Colter, Shelby, Hannah, Beth, Lukas, and Frankie—all of whom reside in Arizona.

He is also survived by beloved family members: cousin Terry Ellers, age 97 and the last of Mike's 1st cousins, and her daughters Resa Miliara and Sharon Kemp of Atlanta; John Ellers, wife Cindy, and their children Joliene, Karlee’, Scarlett, Hank, and Brynn of Scottsdale; cousin Diane Long of Shreveport; cousins Diane Strader of Santa Fe and Debbie Bankston of Longview; nephews Jeff, Rick, and Mark Masson; cherished in-laws Michael, Bob, Valerie, and Nicole and life-long friend Milton "Peck" King.

As we remember Mike, we celebrate a life rich in purpose, compassion, and faith. His generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to his values leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed.