W. Eugene Malott Jr.

Walter Eugene "Gene" Malott Jr., 63, of Blue Springs, was born Monday, March 19, 1962, in Kansas City, the son of Walter E. Sr., and Frances M. (Brown) Malott. He departed this life Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by love and family.

Gene was a 1980 Blue Springs High School graduate later earning his associates degree from the Metropolitan Community Colleges.

In May 1990 he was united in marriage to Peggy Parnell and to this union Jackson and Hunter were born. On December 29, 2018, he was united in marriage to the love of his life LaVonna S. (Ash) Findley.

Gene started his working career at K-Mart in Independence before joining Hallmark. He spent the rest of his career at Hallmark starting as a janitor and working his way to Creative Design and ended his career at the Hallmark plant in Lawrence KS; he was set to retire in January 2026. He was an active member of Blue Springs Assembly serving in many aspects in the church through the Royal Ranger, the men's group, and working the lights in the tech booth. He and his father also coached little league baseball and softball when his children were young. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes, working on classic cars, and was an avid wood worker. Above all he loved spending time with his family and the title Papa Geno / Pops.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Marie; one sister, Judy Malott; granddaughter, Morgan Mitchell; father-in-law, Melford Ash; and one brother-in-law, Lloyd Ash.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonna; four children, Jackson (and Vanessa) Malott, Hunter Malott, Rachel (and James) Callaway, and Tony (and Tori) Findley; seven grandchildren, Brent Mitchell, Deegan, Iva, and Reed Findley, Lexi, Taylor, and Ivy Callaway; one sister, Sharon Wheeler; mother-in-law, Wilma Ash; sisters-in-law, LaDonna (and Randy) Garrison, and LaRonda (and Kevin) Catanzaro; other relatives and a host of many friends.

Visitation was held Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Blue Springs Assembly, Blue Springs, Missouri.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the church. Pastor Chad Fisher officiated. Interment was in the Blue Springs Cemetery. Casket bearers were Hunter Malott, Jackson Malott, Tony Findley, Brent Mitchell, Clint Parnell, and Brandon Wheeler. Honorary casket bearers were Grant Hefley, Travis Parnell, Scott Thurn, and Scott Wall.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Blue Springs Assembly Missions and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550 Sent from my iPhone