Edward Lee Mash

Edward Lee Mash, age 76, of Cherry Hill, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in De Queen, Arkansas, on Sunday morning, July 10, 2022.

Edward was born Wednesday, August 15, 1945, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Margaret Nell Mash (née Williams) and Archie LaVaughn Mash. The oldest child and only son of Archie and Margaret, Ed enjoyed a childhood of outdoor activities, including hunting and especially fishing, learning some of his best fishing techniques from his mother, an avid catfish angler.

Edward spent his teen years at Mansfield High School, where he graduated in 1963. Not long after graduation, Edward enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of Sergeant. His training and duties included helicopter mechanic and postal operator, and he was very proud of his high-security clearance as a postal operator and administrator. While training in Texas, Edward met Diane Bordas, who was also serving on base, and they married on July 21, 1966.

Edward enlisted during a time of war and was sent to Vietnam. He served one full year at the Phu Cat Air Force Base, near the city of Qui Nhon, in South Vietnam. Thankfully, Edward returned from his tour of duty in late 1968 and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Following his return from active duty, Edward was Honorably Discharged and sent to the Air Force Reserves in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Once completed, he and Diane moved to Texas and began a family.

Edward and Diane had three daughters whom they raised in Glenwood, Illinois, a small south suburb of Chicago. There, Edward diligently worked as a bridge and crane operator at Inland Steel, serving thirty full years offloading iron ore from the ships coming into port on Lake Michigan and loading on to railroad cars and ore piles.

In his spare time, Edward enjoyed teaching his girls outdoor living, camping, boating, fishing, football, and baseball, and he coached his daughter’s community softball league team for a season. Edward enjoyed cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and participating in several bowling leagues. Edward liked to unwind by watching the wildlife from the front porch swing and spending time with the family pets, particularly his beloved dogs, Snoopy and Dollie.

After 21 years of marriage, Edward and Diane parted ways, and he met and later married Christine Flens Sypniewski on June 18, 1994. Edward and Christine enjoyed going to social club dances and local restaurants in the suburban Chicago area. They also made a cross-country trip exploring natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, Yellowstone, and Mount Rushmore. Edward and Christine were happily married until the time of his death.

Edward was preceded in death by his grandparents, Archie Clinton Mash and Stella Stephens Mash, his parents, Margaret Nell Mash and Archie LaVaughn Mash, and his stepson, David Sypniewski.

He leaves to grieve his passing, his wife, Christine Mash, daughter Dawn Cousineau and husband Bryan of Mena, Arkansas, daughter Kathy Mash of Mena, daughter Sheila Schreiber of Portage, Indiana, their mother, Diane Ahlborn of Portage, Indiana, sister Elizabeth “Liz” Ainsworth of Texas, sister Rose Williams and fiancé Steve Jernigan of Texas, Aunt Mary Jo Fralia of Arizona, granddaughters Briana Mash and Faith Schreiber, both of Portage, Indiana, grandson Christian Mash of Mena, granddaughter Arianna Sypniewski of Kansas, nephews Brian (Julie) Ainsworth of Texas and Jesse Vaughn Jr. of Washington, nieces Cherie Ainsworth of Texas and Andrea (Jason) McCauley of Florida, several great-nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend Mike Philpot of Texas.

The family wishes to thank the caring services of Elite Home Healthcare, Dr. Divers, Dr. Ulmer, the staff at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Dierksen Hospice.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be at the Cherry Hill Cemetery, with arrangements by the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

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