Eddie Joe Malish

Eddie Joe Malish was a native Austinite. Eddie was truly a one-of-a-kind guy with a unique sense of humor. You never could predict what might come out of his mouth which kept everyone attentive, amused and always laughing.

Since December 2021, Eddie battled kidney disease. He passed away peacefully listening to live music with friends and family by his side on May 9, 2025. It was an Austin vibe.

Eddie was born to Eugene “Gene” and Sylvia “Kay” Malish on Sunday, Dec 21, 1958, at St. David’s Community Hospital. The Malish family lived on Brentwood Street for 66 years, with Eddie being born exactly one month after moving into their house. His mom often told the story he was their one and only gift under the Christmas tree that year.

The Malish family yard was where neighborhood children played carefree and created joyful memories. In their early teens, Eddie and his brother Bobby rode their bikes all over town, including a trip to Taylor (over 30 miles away) to visit their grandparents. Eddie taught his sister Marsha how to have fun at home, at Brentwood Park and at Brentwood pool – and teased her every chance he got.

Gene and Kay’s love for Eddie was unconditional, enduring and it deepened as they all navigated life events. They knew Eddie had a heart of gold and was grateful to have him as their son.

Eddie attended Brentwood Elementary School, Lamar Jr High and graduated from McCallum High School in 1977. While in high school, Eddie was in band, did UIL Number Sense, and was on the McCallum Swim Team, with the breaststroke being his specialty. His love of the water became an after-school job coaching and teaching swimming lessons to kids of all ages at Swim-A-Day.

Eddie attended Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco, graduating with an associate degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Floriculture in 1981. This started his life-long career in the landscaping industry.

It was at TSTI that Eddie met his wife, Barbara, as they were both in the same degree program. Their journey together began in 1979, and they married on the 2nd anniversary of their first date on November 15, 1981, at the Womack Church outside of Clifton, Texas, Barbara’s hometown. Their love grew into a strong partnership, in life and business for almost 44 years.

Eddie and Barbara were blessed with a son, Mark Evan in 1989, and a daughter, Emily Anne in 1993. While Mark and Emily attended Davis Elementary, Eddie and Barbara volunteered and enhanced the school’s landscaping over those 10 years and received the prestigious Giving Tree Award for their outstanding volunteer contributions. Eddie also contributed to Eagle Scout projects that emphasized landscaping initiatives. He cherished his relationship with his children, attending their choir concerts, dance recitals and other special events as they grew up.

After working for several landscaping maintenance companies, Eddie established Malish Landscape in 1983. He worked with many clients, some over 35 years, and considered them family. Eddie and his team planted trees, plants, and gardens in Austin and nearby areas, delighting clients and showcasing Eddie's passion. As Austin grew and water restrictions followed, he was an early innovator in native and drought-tolerant landscapes. Eddie would say “he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did so much.” He was a generous and kind boss. As a mentor in Austin’s landscaping industry, he was never hesitant to lend a helping hand. Eddie enjoyed working outside, maintaining both clients' yards and his own, which often won "Yard of the Month" in their neighborhood. Even when his health was failing, he still went to job sites to consult on plants and supervise his crew.

Eddie enjoyed grilling, fishing -- especially on his brother-in-law Bobby’s bass boat, watching UT and Dallas Cowboy football, NASCAR, and listening to a wide variety of music both at home and live around Austin. A favorite Austin outing was having Tex-Mex dinners at Maudie’s, El Patio or at Baby A’s where live music was often performed by his friend Woot Talley and his band.

Eddie’s faith was important to him. He attended church at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and the Church of Glad Tidings. Eddie and Barbara were regular attendees of Grace Covenant Bible Church for many years, where Eddie participated in adult Sunday School classes and served as an usher during church services.

In December of 2021, Eddie was hospitalized for kidney disease and courageously underwent dialysis for 4 years at the Davita Clinic in Pflugerville. At this stage of life, his world centered around those life-saving sessions. Eddie fought his health issues with remarkable strength and courage. His spirit and positive outlook were steadfast.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Kay Malish, grandparents Roy and Darene Day, Alex and Terry Malish, father-in-law, J.C. “Tucker” Anz and brother-in-law, Robin Harvey.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Barbara (Anz) Malish and son, Mark Malish, girlfriend JD Dauber and daughter, Emily Malish Jones, husband Cody; sister, Marsha Malish Jones, husband Robert and brother, Bobby Malish, wife Michelle and aunt Claudia Burgoon. He is also survived by: cousins Lisa and Kyle Melton; mother-in-law, Gladys Anz and sisters-in-law, Pam Harvey and Rhonda Evans, husband Bobby; nieces and nephews: Jackie Malish and fiancé Morgan Bromley, Kaylee and Jayson Barney, Sean Harvey, Ty Evans, and Garrett Evans and fiancé, Tori Stallings; his honorary brother, Tom “Daryl” Wheeler and many beloved extended family members.

The family would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Benjamin Yarbrough, Dr. James Dooner, Dr Yasser Nasser, Dr. Stephan Wells, Dr. Ravi Mididoddi and Dr. Malavika Vinta, Lisa Faust RN, Zac Codding RN and Charles Daniels, Seton Williamson Chaplain.

Additionally, the family wishes to thank lifelong friend Woot Talley, who selflessly shared his music to create the most beautiful and serene setting for Eddie’s final moments.

A celebration of life for Eddie will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Chapel at LifeFamily Austin, 8901 State Hwy 71, Austin, Texas 78735 with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752 at (512) 454-5611 or www.dignitymemorial.com.

If you desire, you can donate in Eddie’s memory to Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, Texas 78744 or Austin Disaster Relief Network, 13801 Burnet Rd, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78727, or your favorite organization that will bless others in need.

Eddie’s contagious sense of humor, playful spirit, appreciation of nature and devotion to his family filled our lives with joy and he will be dearly missed. Plant something in Eddie’s memory and enjoy watching it grow