John O. Malone
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[John O. Malone, 97, of Marion, passed away at 4:35 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, in Parkway Manor of Marion.
He was born June 14, 1912, at the family home in Saline County, the son of Albert and Maude (Horn) Malone.
John was united in marriage to Maxine French on Aug. 11, 1938, in Morganfield, Ky. and together they have shared the last 71 years of marriage.
His working career started at a very young age with the Peabody Coal Mine No. 47 and later for Peabody Mine No. 40, both near Harco, and later at AMAX Delta Mine east of Marion. All of his career he worked as a machinist in the mine repair shop. He was known for his ability to go down into the mines, look at the needed repair and fabricate the part. After 42 years with the mines he retired in 1976.
His faith and church involvement were a very important part of his life. During his lifetime he was a member of and attended Dillingham United Methodist Church near Corinth, Galatia United Methodist Church and Crab Orchard United Methodist Church. In 1968, he and his family moved to Marion, and it was then he joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was actively involved in every part of the church, serving on committees and boards. He was an active member of the Overcomers Sunday school class, a proud member of the United Mine Workers, a 66-year 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Fellowship Masonic Lodge No. 89 A.F. and A.M. of Marion and a lifetime member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Southern Illinois.
In his spare time he always enjoyed visiting with his many friends, taking outings with his family and starting and completing new projects around the house.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Malone of Marion; daughter, Thelma J. Malone of Marion; two nieces, Brenda Nance and her husband, Murriel of Mount Vernon and Judy Thompson and her husband, Elbert of Carrier Mills; nephew, Dale Malone and his wife, Barbara of Marion; a host of other extended family members including special great-great-nephew, Peyton Jones and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katheryn Gill; half-sister, Eunice Thomas; three brothers, Willard, Kenneth and Howard Malone and a niece, Anita Peyton.
Arrangements for John O. Malone have been entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., of Marion.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1201 N. Fair St., Marion, with the Rev. Tim Ozment, the Rev. Ken Burgard and the Rev. James Slone presiding. Interment will follow in Dillingham Cemetery located near Corinth in Williamson County. A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the church. Masonic rites will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at the funeral home conducted by Fellowship Lodge No. 89 A.F. and A.M. of Marion.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to "Aldersgate United Methodist Church Memorial Fund." Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, Ill. 62959.
For additional information or to leave an online condolence or memory, please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call (618) 993-2131.