BENTON – On July 23, 2025, Donald Dee Malcolm, of Benton, passed away at home, surrounded by his family at the age of 88.
Don, the son of the late Curtis and Ione Malcolm, was born on September 8, 1936, in Marion, IL. After graduating from Marion High School, he served in the United States Navy for four years. He then graduated from SIU with a degree as a Electrical Engineer. After marrying his wife, Vita Loyd, on January 23, 1962, they moved to St. Louis, MO, to start a family and his career at McDonnell Douglas, in the Aerospace Division.
He later moved back to Southern Illinois and finished his career out in the mining industry, working for Inland Steel, Kerr Megee and American Coal companies.
Don was a lifelong member of North Benton Baptist Church and found comfort in his faith. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and vacationing with family throughout the years and into retirement.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Vita Mae (Loyd) Malcolm of Benton, IL; his children, Mike (Lana) Malcolm of Milton, FL, Dottie (Malcolm) (Ron) Darr of Benton, IL, Robert (Judy LeBar) Malcolm of Stewartsville, NJ, and Debbie (Malcolm) (Andy) Williams of Benton, IL; 14 grandchildren: Brandi (Malcolm) (Tyler) Dagg of Cisne, IL, Blaine (Joanna) Malcolm of West Frankfort, IL, Linzie (Malcolm) (Miles) Baltzell of Crestview, FL, Leighton Malcolm of Milton, FL, Megan (Darr) (Tyler) Taber of Marion, IL, Dailyn Darr of West Frankfort, IL, Logan (Madison) Darr of Benton, IL, Madyson Darr (Triston Summers) of Marion, IL, Zoe (Bouseman) (Jeremy) Dorsey of Atlanta, GA, Audra (Malcolm) (Steve) Meza of High Bridge, NJ, Kevin Malcolm of Pittsburgh, PA, Dillon Malcolm of Pittsburgh, PA, Brittany Williams of Benton, IL, Gunner Williams of Benton, IL, and Dallas Williams of O’Fallon, MO; eight great-grandchildren: Kayden Dagg, Zach Dagg, Lily Dagg, Drew Dagg, Mason Tabor, Levi Tabor, Evie Darr, Kinsley Dorsey, and Emersyn Dorsey; his former son-in-law, Tom Bouseman; and brother-in-law, Jerry Loyd and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Malcom and Ione (Barth) Malcolm; his daughter, Pamela Ione (Malcolm) Bouseman; his granddaughter, Breanna Williams; two sisters: Paulette Malcolm and Elaine (Malcolm) Dreyer; his brother-in-law, Charles Dreyer; two brothers in infancy; his father and mother-in-law, Sherman and Dorothy Loyd; and his sister-in-law, Sondra Loyd.
Don will always be remembered for his kind hearted spirit, family loving adventures, his hard work, ethics and love for God. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation will take place.
A Celebration of Life will be set at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for North Benton Ministry House for clothing and shoes for school age children.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
