of Pyatt, AR

January 14, 1931 - October 16, 2018

W. Harold ''Buster'' Malone, age 87, of Pyatt, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2018 peacefully at his home with his wife, Evelyn, by his side.

''Buster'' Malone was born January 14, 1931, to the late Nathan and Irene (Clary) Malone. He was raised, and educated in Wichita, Kansas.

He and his brother, Howard, joined the army together and were both paratroopers stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. While there, Buster was a jump school instructor having made over 100 jumps. After his honorable discharge in 1954 he returned to Kansas and joined the Wichita Police Department. During his 30 years in law enforcement he was a detective, police scuba diver, K-9 officer, and for the last several years of his career he served as the Wichita PD polygraph examiner.

He married Betty Jean (Ray) and together they lovingly raised two daughters and one son to enjoy the outdoors especially boating and camping which they did frequently with extended family members at Kansas area lakes. After retiring to Galena, Missouri in 1983, Mr. Malone became Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department in McCord Bend Village, Missouri. Along with his wife, Betty, Buster organized many events to raise funds for the fire department; and through their joint efforts the department was able to acquire trucks and much equipment. He was also an avid equestrian and for many years he and Betty would drive a wagon ''sleigh'' pulled by his team of Arabian horses through Galena in the Christmas parade.

After Betty's death in 2011 he married Evelyn Masengarb Malone and they made their home in McCord Bend Village until this past summer when they moved to Pyatt, Arkansas.

Mr. Malone was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Midian Shrine Temple in Wichita, Kansas and Lodge 515 in Galena, Missouri as well as the American Legion and the Retired Police Officers Association.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of the home; two daughters: Pamela Sturdy of Dallas, Texas; Cheryl James of Cabool, Missouri; one step-daughter Samantha Little of Ozark, Missouri; two step-sons: William Nichols of Springfield, Missouri; Matthew Stapleton of Phoenix, Arizona; one sister Doris Johnson of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two grandchildren: Jennifer Wyatt and Rachel Sturdy; one great-grandchild; and three step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, he will be greatly missed by many other family members including Doug Clary of Kansas; and Tony Johnson of Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; his son Scott; and his brother Howard.

Buster touched many lives and everyone who knew him loved and respected him for his kindness, his sense of humor, story-telling and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Mr. Malone's family would like to thank Hillcrest Skilled Nursing and Hospice of the Hills Hospice House, both of Harrison, Arkansas for their wonderful care.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Buster Malone at a later date.

Roller-Burns Funeral Home, Yellville, Arkansas

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