Story by: Parker Cassidy WMOI/WRAM News
It’s a sad day in the Monmouth community, and especially across the entire United family, as 2025 graduate and two-sport athlete Mason Giddings has passed away.
Mason was a light for anyone who knew him. He was the kind of kid who could put a smile on your face no matter what was going on. Whether it was on the football field, on the wrestling mat, or simply walking the halls at United High School, he carried an energy that lifted the people around him.
Here’s what United Head Football Coach Andrew Goodwin shared in a post on social media:
“It’s tough to put in words the impact this young man made. The continuous love for life, his family, and his teammates is unmatched. The genuine soul of Mason you want from anyone is what you got every moment of his life. I am grateful to have coached this young man, and the impact he has had on myself and everyone lucky enough to know him will forever be shown till the end of time. Fly high 8, your legacy and memory will be here with us forever.”
United Superintendent Tom Hawkins also spoke about how the community has rallied together in this tough time:
“We just can’t express how thankful we are to live in this area of the state and the surrounding communities that have been nothing but gracious and reaching out. Our local Regional Office of Education yesterday, the resources that they poured into our school was amazing. It was quite amazing to see former teachers who have left the education field come back. For example, David Milroy, who was a teacher and football coach for us, spent time coming back and meeting with some of the kids. I received calls from every superintendent offering help in any way, and then of course being in constant contact with my predecessor, Jeff Whitsitt, who’s doing the interim job over at Knoxville. Jeff was in constant contact with me throughout the whole process saying, just let us know what we can do. Living in this part of the state, a lot of people might give us a hard time for our small town ways, but there’s nothing better than the small town community in times like this.”
United Athletic Director Jeremy Sharp shared more about the kind of person Mason was:
“He’s a warrior, that’s how I’d describe him. He had a million-dollar smile. He was a warrior out there, he was a guy you’d love to go to battle with every time. It didn’t matter if he was hurt or not, he’s playing through it, just a tough individual. It’s a sad day for all of us, our hearts are real heavy. It’s a tough loss. He will be missed, I know we’re all thinking of his family and everybody else in the United District.”
Mason passed away on Wednesday at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his loving family. He was just nineteen years old.
Born in Galesburg and raised in Kirkwood, Mason graduated from United High School earlier this year. He had already started building his future, beginning a career with IHC Heating and Cooling here in Monmouth. Many in the community also knew him from his years working at the Italian Village, where he had been a familiar face since he was fifteen.
Mason had a lifelong passion for football and wrestling, pouring countless hours into both sports throughout high school. He loved lifting weights, spending time outdoors, and especially fishing with his best friend, Luke Mills. He enjoyed playing pool and card games with his sister, cheering for the Indianapolis Colts, relaxing after long days, and being surrounded by friends and family whenever he could.
Visitation for Mason will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home, with funeral services Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. Memorials can be made to the Mason Giddings Memorial Fund.
Obituary information is courtesy of McGuire and Davies Funeral Home.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at WRAM and WMOI remain with Mason’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the entire United community.
