Thomas Ford Malone, Jr.

Thomas Ford Malone, Jr., 71, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Though the details of his passing remain private, Tom will forever be remembered for his kindness, integrity, humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born on October 8, 1954, in Sioux City, Iowa, Tom was the son of Thomas Ford Malone and Mary Louise Paup. He graduated from Heelan High School and went on to earn a degree in Chemistry from Briar Cliff University. His curiosity, intelligence, and dedication led him to a long and respected career in the field of chemistry.

Throughout his professional life, Tom worked at Tyson Foods and Ecolab before taking on his “retirement job” at Glen Oaks Country Club. There, he was known for his professionalism, mentorship, and quick wit. His strong work ethic and good-natured humor earned him the respect and affection of colleagues and golfers alike.

Tom lived by the motto, “Anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.” This philosophy defined how he approached life—whether it was his work, his hobbies, or his love for family. He poured his heart into everything he did and instilled that same passion and drive in his children and grandchildren. To Tom, life was meant to be lived fully, laughed at loudly, and shared generously.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, always cheering the loudest from the sidelines. Known for his honesty—sometimes brutally so—Tom had a unique charm that endeared him to children and dogs alike, joking that it was because he “smelled like bacon and bad decisions.” His quick wit earned him the nickname “Machine Gun” for his rapid-fire comebacks. Despite a collection of replacement parts that would make a mechanic proud, he bounced back time and again, earning another nickname - “The Bionic Man.”

Nine years ago, Tom married the love of his life, Sydney LaCourse. His suit and goofy hat “sealed the deal,” as he liked to say. Together, they built a life full of laughter, eye rolls, and headshakes—often all at once. They loved golfing, watching movies, walking around Gray’s Lake, and visiting Arizona together.

In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed biking, golfing, reading, and his lifelong appreciation for cool cars—especially his beloved Triumph Spitfire from his younger days. He was also a frequent visitor to American Dream Machines in Des Moines. Whether sharing a story, a laugh, or a bit of hard-earned wisdom, Tom brought warmth and humor to every gathering.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sydney LaCourse-Malone; his children, Erin (Dave) Rosburg of Arlington, IA, and Patrick Malone of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Bianca Malone, Raquel Rosburg, Owen Rosburg, and Carley Rosburg; siblings, Molly (Frank) Tursi, Des Moines, IA, Matthew Malone, Bucyrus, KS, Michael Malone, Round Rock, TX, Marti (Jon) Starr, Conifer, CO, Peggy (Jeff) Fagerland, West Des Moines, IA, Katie (Keith) Meador, Nashville, TN, Lizzie Malone, Bucyrus, KS, and Eileen (Jim) Hatfield, Paradise Valley, AZ; as well as many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Paup Malone and Thomas Ford Malone; and his brother, Patrick Malone.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Rd in West Des Moines, IA 50266. Family will greet friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for distribution to Tom’s favorite youth organizations in loving memory of Tom.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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