Deslar James Malone, 78 of Racine, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at AdventHealth Daytona Beach Hospital from surgery complications.
He was the son of the late Clifford James Malone and Norma Jean Kittle Malone. Deslar was born October 11, 1946, on his grandfather, Deslar Kittle’s birthday.
Deslar graduated from Glouster High School in 1965. He was employed by Motyre in Athens, Ohio from 1965 to January 1, 1983. In January 1983 he started Malone Warehouse Tire at their home on Lavelle Road, Athens, Ohio. Seven years later they moved the family business to Hebbardsville Road, Athens, Ohio where he ran a successful family business until he semi-retired. After his retirement he continued to be active in the everyday operation of the business until his death.
Everyone who knew Deslar acknowledged that he was such a hard worker. He always said he never expected more from his employees than he was willing to do himself. Deslar loved to grow beautiful flowers and was well known for his beautiful vegetable garden that he grew. He loved to do canning in the fall with Rhonda and mother-in-law, Janice. Deslar was an all-around caring person. He was always showing acts of kindness with helping neighbors and friends with special projects they needed done. Deslar was wonderful at restoring antiques. One of the many things Deslar was restoring was restoring was an antique covered wagon. He had a true passion for collecting old grinding wheels and sand stones.
Deslar is survived by his wife, Rhonda Reuter Malone, and his very special companion DeeDee; sons, Darrin Malone (Angela) and Jerrod Malone (Jodi); a sister, Kathy Jo Malone Rushing (Gene); nephews, Shannon and Storm Rushing; grandson, Jace Malone and a great granddaughter, Palmer Rose Stewart; mother-in-law, Janice Reuter; stepdaughters, Ryan Davis (Wyatt) and Rachelle Honaker (Bryce); brother-in-law, Terry Reuter (Mandy); nephews, Reece, Layne and Carson; uncle and aunts, Bill and Marlene Kittle, Carolyn Shrivers, and Judy Kittle; many dear cousins; a niece, Michelle Malone; special Ohio family and friends and many Florida friends; chosen family, Jack and Paula Welker, Steve and Linda Wetzel, Myron and Patty Gorski, John and Linda Wilson, Alan and Sherry LaPointe, and Phyllis Born.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clifford “Gene” Malone; a grandson, Dirk Allen Malone; grandparents, Deslar and Julia Kittle; uncles and aunts, Dick and Anna Malone, Virgil Kittle, Joe and Janice Kittle; and a very special father-in-law, Tom Reuter.
Rhonda and family will receive guests on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the OASIS Church held at the OVCA Camp, 39560 Rockspring Road, Pomeroy, Ohio 45769, for a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to OASIS Church where Deslar and Rhonda attended. Donations for the church can be mailed to 60 Nurad Road, Athens, Ohio 45701. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. You may send a message of condolence by visiting the tribute wall at www.morrisonfc.com.
