Milan Spencer Masters

Milan Spencer Masters, age 85, of Natoma, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

He was a lifelong resident and supporter of the Natoma community.  He was born September 12, 1936 to Cecil and Lucille (McClellan) Masters on the homestead south of Natoma. He married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Mohler, on January 14, 1956.

He began his life in business when he opened Masters Oil in 1959, starting when he was 18, in the community he was ever committed to. He expanded their business to Russell, Woodston and Alton.

He also served as a USD 399 bus driver for several decades. He was a volunteer firefighter for 40 years. He was awarded the first Citizen of the Year by the Natoma Lions for his dedication to the community. He served on various church committees, the cemetery board, and the city council. His hard work included his love for the land where he farmed/ranched.

His big heart for the community was surpassed only by his love for his family. The marriage of Milan and Dianne was blessed with five children.

He is survived by wife Dianne of 65 years; daughters Coleen Dickinson (Kirk) of rural Natoma and Fonna Schwien of Russell; sons Delwin Masters (Corinne) of Natoma and Brian Masters (Luella) of Burlington; sister Marina Gunn of Leawood; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by son Milan Eugene “Gene”; his parents Cecil and Lucille Masters; and Gary Gunn (brother-in-law) and Stanley Schwien (son-in-law).

A celebration of Milan’s life was held at the Natoma gymnasium on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Memorials may be given to the Natoma United Methodist Church or Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399 and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple St., Russell, Kansas 67665.