MASON - Lou Eves will forever be remembered for his dedication to this Warren County community.

Eves, the longest-serving mayor in the city's history, helped get toll-free calling from Mason to Cincinnati, fought for park grants and pushed for the municipal pool that now bears his name.

Eves died Friday after more than a week in the hospital. He was 76.

"I considered him the father of Mason," said Councilman Tom Grossmann. "He was highly respected and always had good ideas. ... He clearly had the interests of our community at heart."

Eves was appointed to city council March 26, 1973, to fill an unexpired term. He was re-elected five times.

The Army Master Sergeant, who served in World War II and Korea, was mayor for 16 years. Even after leaving council, Eves attended meetings, offering his input.

Eves lived in Mason for more than 30 years and was a prominent business leader. He owned the Houston Inn, a restaurant on Ohio 42, which is still run by his family.

Eves was the first lifetime member of the Mason Landen Kings Chamber of Commerce and is one of only four lifetime Mason Kiwanians.

"I think he'll be remembered for his vision for what he hoped Mason would be," said Don Williams, a longtime Mason resident and former councilman. "Growth with control, that's the way he always looked at things. And I think he succeeded as best he could."

Eves is survived by his wife, Frances of Mason; sons David, Michael and Louie Eves, all of Mason; daughter Kathy Hacker of West Chester; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Christ's Church, 5165 Western Row Road in Mason.

A Kiwanis service will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com