Donald Van Mallory

Our beloved father, Donald V. Mallory, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the age of 80. He was a devoted, hardworking, and selfless father who was always there for everyone, come rain or shine. Don cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and colleagues. A man known for his ironclad integrity and loyalty. Don was the salt of the earth, a trustworthy confidant and patient listener. He cared deeply for the people around him. His wisdom and kindness touched so many and will live on forever through those closest to him. To Don, the most important qualities in life were not material things, but people themselves and their personal life experiences. Whenever you asked Don how he was doing, his response was prompt and emphatic, “LIFE IS GOOD.”

Don was born the youngest of seven children on July 14, 1943, in Greeley, Colorado. He spent his childhood in Keenesburg working on the family farm until he finished school. In 1964, he moved to Tucson, Arizona where he worked for Currie Robinson, while also serving his country for six years in the Air National Guard. He moved back to Colorado in 1966 where he worked various jobs before finding his true passion as a truck driver for FMA Denver. Don’s desire for the trucking business blossomed into a lifelong career resulting in him buying a share of Shaffer’s Trucking business in 1971 where he was able to work with his brother-in-law and best friend Bill Shaffer. Over the next several years, Don worked as a truck driver and head mechanic for various companies including EMC and MAP Transportation. In 2007, Don, and his close friend, Gerald Chestnut, became business partners and owners of G&D trucking. Being a business owner again gave him immense satisfaction. Don couldn’t be more grateful and proud of the business he and Gerald created. In 2012, at 69 he was finally able to enjoy a well-earned and richly deserved retirement.

Don is survived by his four children, Russ Mallory, Tammy Connolly (Clem), Kimberly Halleck (David), and Eric Mallory (Ashley); his ten grandchildren, Jayme Mallory, Matthew Mallory, Randie Mallory, Chance Mallory, Savannah Mallory, Megan Connolly, Kieran Connolly, Ryan Halleck, Reese Halleck, and Raelyn Halleck; and his five great grandchildren, Lacie Mallory, Olivia Mallory, Layla Sarmiento, Ebonie Mallory Walker, and Aowynn Mallory; Sister Barbara Jean Kipp of Keenesburg, CO and Charles Mallory of Indiana.