Mr. John Lee Malone, age 90, of Jefferson City, MO, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on May 23, 1932, in St. Louis, MO, the youngest son of Cecil Thomas and Ellen Virginia (Edmiston) Malone. On December 21, 1956, John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Virginia Maxine Vest, who survives. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage.
John graduated from Central High School in St. Louis, MO, in 1949 where he took many art classes including drawing, painting and mechanical drafting. He recognized the artistic abilities that God gave him and used them throughout his life. His faith was a guiding force, and he always used prayer to help him get through life’s challenges. He later changed his plans of attending a professional trade school and instead decided to attend Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO, where he received an Associate in Arts Degree. He continued his education and graduated from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, AR, in 1953 with a degree in Physical Education.
Shortly after finishing Ouachita, John was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained in wheel mechanics and track vehicle maintenance. However, God had a different path for him, as John served in Korea as the Personnel Clerk of the 96th Field Artillery Battalion. His duties included maintaining all records for 600 men. He also served as a referee for the All Korean National Flag Football Tournament. His experiences in Korea shaped many aspects of his life.
After serving his country, John had several jobs, including Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in University City, MO, Cartographic Photogrammetric Aide where he made maps and aerial mosaics, and a substitute teacher.
John felt the call of full-time ministry and attended The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA, where he earned a Master of Religious Education Degree.
In 1967, John and his family moved to Jefferson City, MO, where he served as Minister of Recreation and Youth at First Baptist Church. In 1970, John decided to use his education background to work for the Jefferson City School District as an elementary physical education teacher. In 1973, he attended Lincoln University where he earned a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling Degree. He then served as a school counselor in many of the Jefferson City elementary schools from 1974 until his retirement in 1992.
Life did not slow down after retirement for John. He volunteered for the Jefferson City Police Department, often working at the front desk. He also volunteered at the Cole County Juvenile Attention Center from 1973-2001.
John and Virginia have belonged to several Baptist churches throughout the years but have called Southridge Baptist Church their home church the last 20 years. His roles in the churches included Minister of Education, Minister of Recreation and Youth, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Awana Volunteer.
Visiting Silver Dollar City and enjoying shows with his family at the various theaters in Branson, MO, were some of his favorite memories. His grandchildren loved playing games with Grandpa such as Phase 10, Uno and Chicken Foot Dominos. He was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. To keep his mind sharp, John enjoyed puzzle books and word searches. In addition he was a talented magician who loved performing his Christian magic.
John will be remembered as a gentle soul - his giving and kindness unmatched. Friends and family will miss receiving John’s personalized birthday and anniversary cards, which included homemade bookmarks. But most importantly, he would want everyone to know how God had blessed him throughout his life.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Virginia Malone; four children, Judy Molina (Phil), John K. Malone (Susan) and Sheryl Persicke (Willis) and Tammie Bell (David); ten grandchildren, Chris Molina (Kari), Sarah Burns (Samuel), Jaime Privitt (Mike), Lindsey Downs (Derick), Haley Brosch, Erik Persicke, Ashley Persicke, Jessica Reed, Marissa Lane and Chris Bell; 17+ great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Kinsley and Kahler Molina, Kyah and Shiloh Burns, Alaynah Brosch, Bryce, Claire and Grayson Privitt, Kylee and Bella Downs, David L. Bell, Dakota Reed, McKenzie, Kenny A. and Keigan Lane, Michelle Bell and another great-granddaughter expected in July; one great-great-grandson, Marlen Tarwater; one brother-in-law, Dennis Vest (Lyn); and a host of other beloved family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Malone; mother-in-law, Myrtle Vest; father-in-law, Willie Vest; and brother-in-law, Ernest Vest.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor Taylor Whitmore officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, MO.
A webcast of John's service will begin at 12:00 p.m., Friday, for those who are unable to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab on this page and scrolling down to the webcasting link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the
Redeem Project or Southridge Baptist Church by mailing donations to Freeman Mortuary, P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.