Formerly of New Lenox, passed away at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, Wednesday, October 17, 2012. Age 83 years. Survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Nancy R. Malone (nee Engandela), cherished daughter Rosemary (Michael) Hall of Driftwood, TX., Four loving sons Daniel (Kristin) Malone of Loveland, OH., Michael Malone of Chicago, IL., Patrick (Whitney) Malone of Santa Fe., NM., and James Malone of Wimberley, TX. Two sisters Margaret (Richard) Schultz of Darien, WI., and Helen (Les) Clark of Manton, MI. A brother Leon (Shirley) Malone of Kempton, IL. And many nieces and nephews. Grandson Jimi M. Malone of Santa Fe, NM., and step grandchildren Rikki Carroll of Santa Fe, NM and Morgan and Daniel Smith of Loveland, OH. Preceded in death by his parents James and Marian Malone. Two brothers Paul and Richard Malone. Gene received his BS degree in Agriculture in 1952 and his MS degree in Agricultural Economics in 1955 from the University of Illinois at Urbana. At that time he was also a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was Executive Secretary for the Will County Farm Bureau in Joliet for 20 years. Later employed by the American Farm Bureau Federation in Park Ridge as Assistant Editor and Director of Farm Bureau News Services. For several years Gene wrote a weekly column in the Herald News editorial page. Gene was very social and a good friend to many enjoying golf, bridge and euchre. He was frequently asked to be a speaker and MC which always included a good story or two. He was a 53 years member and past president of the Joliet Noon Lions Club. Member of the Old Timers Baseball Association and president of the Heritage Homeowners Association. He will be greatly missed by his family and all his many friends. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Friday, October 26 at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Joliet Noon Lions Club, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or St. Jude Catholic Church of New Lenox will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at church Friday from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.