Malcolm Wardlaw Hall

Malcolm Wardlaw Hall, 85, our father and grandfather, died peacefully on March 13, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1940, in Paint Rock, Texas, near Ballinger, to Robert Thomas Hall and Francis Louise Wardlaw Hall Ayres.

Malcolm’s life was built on faith, family, education, humility, and a deep commitment to laughter and service to others. He was deeply devoted to the Presbyterian Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Elder, and Deacon at Central Presbyterian Church before continuing in those roles at Westminster Presbyterian Church. His dedication extended beyond the local level—he served on the board of Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian camp in Hunt, Texas. He was a Trustee for the Synod of the Sun from 2001 to 2008, believing in the power of strengthening church communities. He was also a voting member of the Federated Church in Edgartown, Massachusetts, and served on the board of Texas Presbyterian Trust. In addition to his church leadership, Malcolm volunteered as a pro bono attorney for families seeking adoption, prioritizing Christian families in need.

A proud graduate of Texas A&M University’s Class of 1962, Malcolm studied business and economics while serving as President of his class and later as President of the student body his senior year. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and gender equality, successfully pushing for the admission of African Americans and women to Texas A&M by bringing it to a vote while in office. He was also a member of the Governor’s Honor Guard and the Corps of Cadets, honored with the responsibility of blowing the bugle each morning.

Malcolm later served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, dedicating seven years to military service. He went on to earn his Master’s in Economics from the University of Kentucky and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. During law school, he worked nights at General Electric, yet still made Law Review, a testament to his relentless work ethic.

His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—after doing a favor for a friend by selling wigs from the trunk of his car, he later sold and franchised 65 High Fashion Wigs shops. He had been in real estate since 1968, as a Realtor, broker, and real estate attorney.

Malcolm was a humble man who believed in helping others quietly. He often said, “If people know about your good deeds, they don’t count.” True to his word, he advised and supported countless individuals in launching their own businesses, offering guidance without seeking recognition.

Beyond his career and faith, Malcolm had a lifelong love for sports. He enjoyed tennis, jogging, hunting on his mother’s ranch, baseball, and basketball, finding joy in both competition and camaraderie. He also dedicated time to mentoring youth, serving as an Eagle Scout Master for Troop 555, as well as coaching baseball and softball.

Malcolm was the middle child, preceded in death by his older brother, Thomas “Tommy” Hall, who passed away in 2014. He is survived by his younger brother, Davis Reeder Hall III (“Dave”), who, along with his partner, Karen Mustoe, resides in Fairfax, Virginia, with Dave’s son, Davis Reeder Hall IV (“Reed”), and Reed’s son, Davis Reeder Hall V (“Cinco”).

He is also survived by his eldest son, Malcolm Wardlaw Hall II (“Ward”), and his wife, Marni Marie Sigmon Hall, of Oklahoma City. Ward’s children include Arden Joy Shirey and Brink Franklin Hall. Malcolm also embraced his bonus grandchildren through Marni: Jack Matthew Sigmon, Lily Marie Sigmon, and Mary Katherine Sigmon, all of whom reside in Oklahoma City.

His son Walter Kevin Hall and his wife, Tracy Anne Scott, reside in Richardson, Texas. Their children, Ethan Blair Hall and Jacob Davis Hall, live in Oklahoma City. Malcolm was preceded in death by his former wife, Anita Franklin Roden, the mother of Ward and Walter.

His daughter, Amy Hooper Hall Harrison of Oklahoma City—who he adopted in 1986—also survives him along with her son, Cameron Thomas Harrison, who proudly serves in the National Guard. Malcolm was preceded in death by his grandson, Caleb Evan Harrison, who passed away on May 16, 2001. In Caleb’s honor, Malcolm co-founded the Caleb-Fletcher House at Mo-Ranch as a memorial for his grandson.

He is also survived by his former wife, Judith Colclasure Hall, and their children, Emily Lou Hall of Edgartown, Massachusetts, and Houston Thomas Hall of Oklahoma City.

Additionally, he is survived by his cousins, Joshua Morriss Harrison and Vicky Williams Harrison, both of College Station, Texas, and their children, Joshua Wardlaw Harrison and David Williams Harrison of Fort Worth, Texas.

His cousins, Lee and Joe Wurtenberger of Wichita, Kansas, also survive him. Their children include Thomas Hardy Wurtenberger and his wife, Kaitlin Wurtenberger, of Wichita, Kansas, as well as Thomas’s brother, David James Wurtenberger, of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Malcolm’s love for family and friends extended beyond his home. He cherished time spent hosting loved ones at his vacation homes in Puerto Vallarta and Martha’s Vineyard.

Malcolm’s legacy will be one of kindness to strangers, a solid work ethic, a philanthropic spirit, loud laughter, and timeless wisdom.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Iris Memory Care, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hahn-Cook Funeral Home, and Rose Hill Burial Park for their outstanding care.

We invite all who knew and loved Malcolm to join us in celebrating his life. Visitation will be held at Hahn-Cook Funeral Home on Sunday, March 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Funeral services will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 24th. Malcolm will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Memorial contributions in Malcolm’s honor are welcomed to Infant Crisis Services at the Donald W. Reynolds Center.