Paul H. Mast, 93, of Quincy, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026, at his home in Quincy, IL.

Paul was born June 28, 1933, in Adams County to Henry and Ida (Talken) Mast. He graduated from Quincy High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. After his military service, he married the love of his life, Joan Boge, on January 31, 1953, at St. Peters in Quincy. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2025.

Paul built a remarkable life through determination, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit that defined much of his adult life. In 1955, he founded Master Foundry, Inc., and he owned and operated the business for more than 50 years. What began with the creation of brake drum casts for semi trucks grew into a thriving and diverse company under his leadership. Paul had a gift for seeing opportunity where others saw only possibility, and he continually expanded his work into many different offerings.

Throughout his career, Paul earned a reputation as a true innovator. He learned to fly and owned private planes, which he piloted himself to meetings across the Midwest in pursuit of new contracts and new ideas. His business relationships reached many well-known companies over the years, including Chevy, Caterpillar, and John Deere. His work also extended into products used in Ferris wheels made by Eli Lilly Co., meaning that many people who enjoyed a ride on a Ferris wheel in the Midwest likely encountered parts created by Paul. He also contributed to the construction of large office building in downtown St. Louis by building brackets for its windows. His name was attached to 26 patents, a testament to his creativity, skill, and lasting impact on manufacturing and design. Paul’s talents were not limited to industrial work. He also made metal outdoor furniture, metal horse lawn ornaments, gates, and mailboxes.

Outside of his career, Paul had many interests and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved animals and had a special fondness for Tennessee Walking horses, often enjoying horse shows. He also adored his German Shepherd, Major, who held a special place in his heart. On his property, he cared for many doves and even developed a side business involving dove releases. In later years, he and Joan enjoyed visiting their retirement home in Palm Springs, California, where they shared time together and made lasting memories.

Paul is survived by many great nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; six siblings, Florence Ehrhardt, Millie Frericks, Gene Mast, Leo Mast, Lawrence Mast, Roger Mast; and two siblings in infancy, George Mast and Theresa Mast.

Friends and Family are invited to Paul's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 11:00 am. Dr. Tom Dickerson will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Pallbearers will be Tom White, Lyle Parn, Pat Frazier, Dan Wegs, Cooper Frazier, and Cale Frazier.