Richard "Joe" Joseph Malone II

Richard Joseph Malone II, “Joe”, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor passed away on August 6, 2024 in Cedar Park, Texas surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s.

Joe was born in Oklahoma City, OK on February 28th, 1947. As the son of a Chief Master Sergeant in the US Air Force, he lived the life of a military “brat” moving frequently to different military bases with his family to include Oklahoma, Texas, California, England, Louisiana and Tennessee. During the family’s travels, Joe made many unique childhood memories to include meeting Queen Elizabeth of England while exploring Holland Park and getting Jane Mansfield’s autograph before her USO show for the troops.

Joe attended London Central High School while living in England and ultimately graduated from South Houston High School in 1965. He then attended Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro TN earning his bachelor’s degree in education with a double minor in business management and English. While at MTSU, Joe earned the nickname “Jock” playing football and power lifting for the university. He also taught ballroom dancing, was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and met the love of his life, Lela Faye Varner from Soddy TN. Joe and Lela were married in Soddy Daisy First Baptist Church on August 30, 1969 and finished their last year of college as husband and wife, graduating in May of 1970. Joe and Lela grew their family over the next 13 years by having 3 daughters.

Joe worked diligently throughout his life to support his family. His 40 + year career in the food service industry began directly after college with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) College Trainee Program. After only 2 years in the program, he was recruited to work for American Airlines Sky Chefs which took him first to Boston Logan Airport, then L’Enfant Plaza in Washington D.C. and lastly Dallas Fort Worth Airport. In 1982, Joe received a call from Ed Jones, U.S. Representative, who asked him to leave Texas and return to Washington D.C. to be the General Manager of the House of Representatives Restaurant System. For the next 5 years, Joe worked on “The Hill” in the Rayburn, Cannon and Longworth House Office Buildings providing food services for Members of the House of Representatives, overseeing special events and even playing Santa Claus at the Christmas party.

Joe eventually returned to work for AAFES, accepting an assignment in Munich, Germany as the Manager of the USDA School Meal Program where he made considerable contributions to the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe. He then became an Operations Specialist for the franchise food programs in Europe such as Burger King, Baskin Robins, Robinhood and Anthony’s Pizza. His efforts in that position were instrumental in bringing a little taste of home to service members. Joe returned to the States in 1994 to work at AAFES Headquarters located in Dallas, TX. There, he worked at Corporate University in the Restaurant Management and Training Group for 10 + years training the Executive Program for Managers. He eventually transferred to the Restaurant Branch where he was responsible for testing new programs for military installations...recipes and all. He retired from AAFES in 2007 and eventually made his way to Austin, Texas to be with his children and grandchildren.

Joe’s extensive career provided the opportunity for him and his family to travel the world, experiencing endless sights and adventures. In every location, Joe made friends, connected with people and impacted many lives. One of his greatest blessings was lifelong friendships formed in his early adulthood that lasted his entire life. Donnie & Patsy Newberry and their sons Burge, Brandon and Bradley; Kelly and Nancy Sharbel; and Tom and Pat Via and their children Jeremy, Jennifer and Jessica.

After settling in Austin, TX Joe found a wonderful community of friends through the South Austin Senior Center where he met his last love, Nelda Acevedo. Together, they attended dances on Wednesday nights, ate at their favorite restaurants and cooked meals together while watching TV shows. Joe was a member of the Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda TX where he often served as a Lecter during Saturday mass. Joe continued making new friends at The Enclave in Cedar Park where he spent the last 2 years of his life. Despite Parkinson’s, Joe’s sense of humor and tendency to be a consummate jokester endeared so many while his sarcasm and quick wit kept them on their toes. He frequently offered to inspect the dining facility’s kitchen to improve their efficiency. He taught the front desk receptionist how to jitter bug and waltz. He ate breakfast every morning with the same group of friends, all military veterans, and they shared endless stories. Joe led a long and blessed life, but now joins his first love Lela Faye Varner Malone, as they finally dance again in heaven.

Joe is survived by his three daughters: Lauri Smit (Jimmy), Tami Malone (Leah Deane), and Meghan Malone; his five grandchildren: Leland Smit, Landri Smit, Lincoln Smit, Hazel Deane-Malone, and Ellis Deane-Malone. He is also survived by his three sisters: Peggy Simmons, Pam Walker (Tom), Tina Dickinson, nephew John Dickinson, grandnephew John Gregory Dickinson, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and his loving companion, Nelda Acevedo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lela Faye Varner Malone, his father, Richard J. Malone (Pat), his mother, Dorothy Marie Malone (Dot), uncles Edward L. Bay (Bud) and Edward Malone, aunt, Eileen Downs (Molly), and brother-in-law Jim Simmons,

Graveside services are scheduled on Monday, September 2 at 11:00am at Chattanooga Memorial Park in Chattanooga TN where he will be laid to rest next to his wife Lela Faye.

A celebration of life will be held at The South Austin Senior Center in Austin TX. Exact date is to be determined and announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Joe Malone: https://tinyurl.com/Parkinsons-Foundation