Phillip “Mason” Hunt, born the 23rd of May 1962 in Houston, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 29th, 2024, where his mother welcomed him into heaven by providing a rainstorm on his beloved ranch in Bandera, Texas.
Mason was the son of Thomas Ney Hunt and Sandra Joy Hunt. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Rochelle Hunt. He was the older brother to Dana Hunt Burke and Thomas Ney Hunt III. He was a proud father of his two children Katherine Evan Hunt and Phillip Mason Hunt III. He welcomed Rochelle’s daughters Nicole Ann Prosper and her husband Ben Matthew Prosper, and Jordan Mae Nash, as his own. He had many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles he loved dearly. Mason was preceded in death by his beautiful mother, Sandra Joy Hunt.
Mason was proud of being a 6th generation Texan. He attended Robert E Lee High School and Southwest Texas University, where he was a member and President of the ΔTΔ fraternity and Vice President of the Interfraternity Council. Many of the friendships he made in his youth remained strong throughout his life.
Mason began his career in commercial real estate, leasing office buildings throughout Houston. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he served on several committees (Souvenir Program, Livestock Committee, International Committee, Grand Entry) and ultimately became a Director. Additionally, he founded the International Livestock Congress. Mason was a true cowboy through and through; he operated ranches, was actively involved in trail rides, and managed his Charolais cattle business. Mason became a member of the Tejas Vaqueros Ariba Camp in 1995, where he formed his many “Friends for Life,” later becoming Maverick Mother, El Presidente, and Chairman of the Board. Following his Presidency, he founded the Vaquero Legacy Preservation Foundation. He joined the Los Rancheros Visitadores of California in 1999 where he was later elected to be a Director of the Board, representing the Amigo Camp. He always knew he wanted to live in the Texas Hill Country, claiming it “God’s Country.” He accomplished this dream by moving to his home, Heart Rock Ranch in Bandera, Texas. His wife Rochelle shared his passion for the Hill Country and together they helped many others find ranch homes through Hunt Real Estate. They expanded their footprint in Bandera by eventually becoming the proud owners of two historic buildings on Main Street. Mason made contributions to Bandera by donating to local veterans’ charities, building a children’s playground, and preserving the “Cowboy Capital of the World” architecture and spirit.
Mason enjoyed riding cutting horses and cowboy mounted shooting. He had a love for music, proudly supporting his musician friends and singing loudly to all his favorite songs. He was no stranger to the dance floor and loved twirling his wife and daughters around. He inherited a love for cooking from his mother and grandmothers. His joy for life and happiness was contagious and that optimism made him a great leader. All considered him a true confidant and loyal friend. He was a man who upheld his values of faith, compassion, and always doing what was right. Being a son, father, brother and husband were titles he wore with honor, and he was a man his family could depend on. He was a fierce believer in the Lord our Savior and witnessed his faith to friends and strangers alike. He chose to honor his faith with a joyous baptism renewal at Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship in April 2023. He exhibited courage and strength throughout his battle with cancer, knowing God was always with him. He never once wavered in his faith or questioned God’s plan for his life.
Mason treated everyone like his family and with the utmost respect. He loved being a child of God, a Texan, and living life to the fullest. He was happiest at his ranch in Bandera where he rode horses and marveled in the beauty of his surroundings. There stands a 13-foot cross at his ranch where Mason chose to make the most important memories, including proposing to Rochelle. Each sunrise and sunset created a new day of hope for him.
He was humbled by the outpouring of friendship and support he received this past year. He considered himself blessed every day and through every storm. He remained optimistic, teaching us all what it means to have Faith, Hope and above all else, Love. Mason was a true fighter, kept his head held high, and made sure to gift his family with words of peace and strength leading up to the night he was ultimately called Home. Mason embodied a brightness that touched many lives, and his absence will be felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
May Mason’s life and legacy be a reminder to “LIVE IT!”
His funeral service officiated by Pastor Jeremy Levi will be held Thursday, July 11th at 11AM at the Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship 5767 State HWY 173 N Bandera, TX 78003.
A private burial at Houston Memorial Oaks will be held, invitation only.
In lieu of customary remembrances, Mason chose two organizations near and dear to his heart for those wishing to lend support. The Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship 5767 State HWY 173 N, PO Box 2711, Bandera, TX 78003 and the Vaquero Legacy Preservation Foundation PO Box 691107, Houston, TX 77269-1107.
