Donald Preston Malone

Donald Preston Malone, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Don was born in Tomato to Virgil and Mary Sasser Malone. Don was a good athlete and used his skills to coach Little League baseball in Blytheville for more than 25 years. He was known in the area as “Coach Malone” and was one of the first Little League coaches to draft girls on his team. Don also proudly coached both of his sons. Family and friends often described him as a good storyteller as well as a good listener. He liked a good joke, loved the Razorbacks and golf. Don was a hardworking, dedicated family man. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his siblings. Most of all, Don loved the Lord. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Don craved opportunities to do God’s will and especially tell others about Christ.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steven Preston Malone; and sister, Annette Pietz, and brother-in-law, Mike Pietz.

Don is survived by his wife, Frances McMillian Malone of the home; children, Donna Malone Kimes and her husband Steve of Stuttgart and Brandon Malone and his wife Christie of Manila; grandchildren, Gavin Malone and Anna Beth and Jacob Baugher; brothers, Arnold Malone and his wife Kathy of Arlington Heights, Ill., and Odell Malone and his wife Lois of Mount Prospect, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Hyde officiating. Burial will follow in Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at Bethany Baptist Church. The family requests that any memorials be made in Don’s honor to Bethany Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.