Mason Metzger

Mason Chris Metzger, 49, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born December 21, 1957 in Topeka, the oldest son of Max and Doris Metzger. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1975, after which he began his 22-year career in the United States Marine Corps. Achieving the rank of Sergeant Major, his service included three tours overseas and two tours as a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. After his retirement, Chris owned and operated a successful gunsmith business in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Upon his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2006, Chris returned home to Topeka to celebrate life closer to his family.

Chris married Catherine Jeter on October 19, 1990. Survivors include his wife, three sons and one daughter…Michael (and wife, Sara) of Lenexa; Matt (and wife, Kali) living in Okinawa, Japan; Mariko, Topeka; and Mark who attends Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Chris also was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by his sister Gail Dial (and husband, Ollie) of Topeka, and brothers Randy (and wife, Sharri) of Harveyville, and Wes (and wife, Amy) of Topeka, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker. Chris will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, PO Box 998, Quantico, VA 22134-0998, or to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com