Michael Patrick Malone

Michael Patrick Malone, a retired United States Air Force veteran of the Iraq war and lifelong resident of Texas, passed away on January 11, 2024, surrounded by family. Patrick was born November 10, 1979, in Dallas, Texas to Mike and Tracy Malone and attended Corsicana and Cisco High Schools as well as Hardin Simmons University where he was a member of the world-famous Cowboy Band, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He completed his USAF career as a TSGT with REDHORSE Unit. Patrick served at many bases all over the world including both Gulfport and Keesler in Mississippi, Lackland in San Antonio, Elmendorf in Alaska, Luke AFB in Arizona, Anderson AFB in Guam, Korea, Kuwait and Iraq, and he had many amazing stories of his time in each of these places boasting that he visited 6 continents during his time in the USAF. He wrote incredible letters home to his family and friends, whom he considered family, from everywhere he went. After retiring from the US Air Force, Patrick returned to Texas with his wife and young family. He worked for a while at the Broadway Square Mall and later at the Smith County Juvenile Detention Facility where he made a huge difference in the lives of those he was able to help. Throughout his life Patrick was a diehard Texas Rangers fan. Traveling the world, he shared his love of the team even wearing his Texas Rangers cap in front of Saddam’s palace while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. When the Rangers finally made it to the World Series he flew in from Guam to attend a game and turned around and flew home. The Dallas Morning News even declared him one of the Texas Rangers' biggest fans. Nolan Ryan sent an autographed ball to Pat when he was deployed. He was able to see the Rangers through their first World Series win this past fall. Patrick also loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and shot his biggest buck hunting with his brother Matt after his cancer diagnosis. He loved to kayak fish and was instrumental in helping establish the kayak fishing circuit with Bass Masters. He learned to fish from his father, Mike, and grandfather, Pete Hooks. Mike used to measure bass against Patrick’s height when Pat was an infant. Patrick fiercely loved his family. He and his faithful, loving wife, Jennifer planned to travel the world and lived in Guam immediately after their marriage. They traveled to Hawaii and shared their love for life’s adventures and cuisine. Patrick was a master at cooking on the grill and told their daughter Izzy that her mom was the best cook in the world and Grandma the best baker. Patrick loved food. Patrick embraced fatherhood when Nolan was born and enjoyed teaching him about motorcycles and the North Star. Ranger wowed his dad with his gifts and love for music, even sharing that gift with his dad in Pat’s last days at Hospice. Rhyder brought Patrick such joy giving him the best and biggest hugs and, is a gifted artist, drawing and creating masterpieces. And Izzy was the apple of her Daddy’s eye. Patrick enjoyed the opportunity to get to be a girl dad and let her paint his nails and fix his hair in whatever form she wanted. Patrick loved his brothers and the time he spent with them. Over the past few years, Matthew reclaimed his place as Patrick’s best friend and confidant. Chase made Patrick so proud following him into service, even if it was the Army. Patrick was honored to pin Chase when he made LT. Pat always wanted to meet up with Chase “in country” during deployment much to the fears of their mother. Patrick had a special place in his heart for Cullen and felt as much like a father as a brother to him. He was very proud of Cullen’s accomplishments and all he did to help him, especially in the last year when he relied heavily on Cullen (giving Cullen a hard time all the while). Patrick loved his parents and followed his father’s love of the outdoors-fishing and hunting. He loved his mom and confided in her. It was his habit for many years to call her every morning at 6:30 just to touch base. He was also her fix-it man, picture hanger, and safety expert consultant. Patrick had many friends who became family to him and whom he loved, served and shared life with. Patrick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cliff and Ann Malone, Sandy Goodier and his Big Daddy, Pete Hooks. (Patrick has asked that it be known that, in fact, he was the better fisherman. Sorry Big Daddy.) He is survived by his dedicated wife and soulmate, Jennifer Malone; and 4 children: Nolan Michael Malone, son of his first wife Tian Myers of Hamilton, Ohio, and Ranger, Rhyder and Izzy Malone of Tyler, Texas; his parents, Mike and Tracy Malone of Tyler; three brothers and their wives, Matthew & Michelle Malone of Terrell, Texas, Chase & Alyssa Malone of Lindale, Texas, and Cullen Malone of Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and brothers in the USAF, fishing community, and so many amazing friends as well as his paternal grandfather, Dean Campbell and wife June of Dallas, Texas. His family has organized a service to honor Patrick's life and military service which will be held at the Stewart Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas on January 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. Interment will be at DFW Cemetery in Dallas Texas on January 25, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. Visitation one hour prior to service.

Michael Patrick Malone

November 10, 1979 - January 11, 2024