Mr. Joel S. Malone

Joel Shaun Malone was born on August 5, 1963, to Carolyn C. Rhea and Robert Glenn Malone in Johnson City, TN. He answered the call of God on Mother's Day evening, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Broken Bow, OK. Shaun graduated from Science Hill High School in 1981 and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. He enlisted in the U.S. military in 1983. While stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, he became a Freemason at the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Shaun was affectionately nicknamed "Richie Rich" by mentor, pastor, and friend Rev. J. F. Birchette. "Rev," then the owner of Birchette Mortuary, admired the enthusiastic young paper boy who so enjoyed earning his own money. Shaun took pride in manicuring, not just mowing lawns. He performed odd jobs throughout the neighborhood and did not mind when paid with homemade cakes. He loved adventure, rode dirt bikes, played baseball, and skateboarded. His light skin, curly hair, big afro, and skills were "in" back then, earning him the monikers "Casanova" and "Rico Suave." Shaun was also a self-taught barber, setting appointments and running a business from his college dorm room. Always resourceful, he was a jack of many trades. SSG Joel S. Malone proudly served the nation in the U. S. Army until 1994. He served Airborne, Special Forces in both foreign and domestic campaigns. He received an honorable discharge with multiple commendations, achievements, and good conduct medals, including expert marksmanship. Shaun also traveled abroad to provide security details in Iraq. He traveled across the country as an information and technology computer specialist for Bechtel, Sprint, various hospitals, casinos, and other major companies. He was a charismatic chameleon who never met a stranger. He blended into many homes, forging lasting friendships everywhere he went. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Christopher Columbus, Sr. (Vember) Rhea; paternal grandparents, Charles "Gee" (Ethel) Malone; and by his parents, Glenn Malone and Carolyn Rhea Young. Shaun leaves to cherish his memory his children, Shanell Mosley, Déja Malone, and Jaylin Malone; siblings, Cheryl Rhea, Scott (Elaine) Malone, Al (Michelle) Hill, Kelly Trottie (Sam Watson), Mark Briscoe, Chris (Traci) King; stepsisters, Cherry (Daniel) Odogwu, Carmelita Livingston, Sarah (Anthony) Hill; nephews, Keenan Malone, Gavin Hill; nieces, Taleah Rogers, Kayla Malone, Carah Taylor; uncles, Christopher, Jr. (Virginia) Rhea, Clinton (Ernestine) Butler; aunt, Brenda Elmore; and girlfriend, Ramona "Mona" Willis; special friends, Raymond Bradley, Wayland Linwood, Lonnie Glenn, and a host of cousins, other relatives and loved ones.

Mr. Joel S. Malone

August 5, 1963 - May 11, 2025