Harold Eugene Mallonee

Harold Eugene Mallonee, 84, went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2025, at his residence in Centerton, Arkansas, where he had lived for the past four years with his devoted wife, Kathy, and beloved stepdaughter, Katelyn. Harold was a lifelong resident of the Lawrence, Kansas area until moving to Arkansas in his later years. He carried with him the values of service, hard work, and humility throughout his life.

Born on May 28, 1941, in Ozawkie, Kansas, Harold was the son of Glenn Mallonee Sr. and Josie (Schmidt) Mallonee. He was the third of eight children and grew up on a Kansas farm where the rhythms of rural life—early mornings, hard labor, and close family bonds—shaped his character.

As a boy, Harold took pride in farm work, especially working the fields behind his two trusted horses, Prince and Barney. He often recalled gathering rocks from the pasture to bring home for his mother’s flower garden. He had a deep appreciation for nature, a love of animals, and enjoyed helping his mother in the kitchen.

Harold attended a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade and graduated from Valley Falls High School. The day after graduation, he joined the National Guard and proudly served for two years.

Harold's professional life was defined by public service and craftsmanship. He held early jobs at Pence’s Garden Center and Green Brothers Hardware before beginning a distinguished 30-year career with the Lawrence Fire Department in June 1964. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant on the ladder truck, Harold faced every challenge with quiet courage and a steadfast sense of duty. He was known for his reliability and never missed a single day of work. He cherished the camaraderie of the firehouse and maintained large scrapbooks of fire-related newspaper articles, which he later donated to the department. One of his proudest contributions was the donation of a 1955 American LaFrance pumper truck (No. 68), which he had acquired at auction and returned to the department for restoration. Harold credited the Lord for his safety during those three decades of service.

Beyond the fire department, Harold continued to serve his community. He was a First Responder and a founding member of the Clarion Springs group. He also volunteered in the Emergency Room at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Following his retirement from firefighting, Harold worked at several hardware stores, including Payless Cashways—where he met his wife, Kathy—and UBC in Topeka, Kansas. He later assisted with the opening of The Home Depot in Lawrence, where he worked until his retirement in May 2015.

Harold was known for his strong work ethic and his practical skills; he could fix just about anything. He had a love for the simple joys of life: mowing the lawn on his riding mower, fishing with the guys, playing cards with family and friends, putting puzzles together with Kathy, and enjoying games of miniature golf with Kathy and Katelyn.

While Harold excelled in many areas, modern technology was not his strong suit. He often confused the television remote with his cell phone or recliner control, providing the family with more than a few laughs.

One area Harold truly mastered was the art of the nap—he was, without a doubt, the king of naps. Whether it was a quick power nap or a long afternoon rest, Harold found comfort and peace in those quiet moments.

Harold had a servant’s heart and a generous spirit. Together with Kathy, he supported the Teen Challenge ministry in Lawrence, Kansas, with both time and financial gifts. He was an active member of every church he attended, faithfully serving as an usher and greeter until his health no longer allowed.

Throughout his life, Harold embodied the values he learned as a young man on the farm—humility, resilience, and service. These same values guided his career as a firefighter and shaped the many relationships he nurtured with family, friends, and his church community. He often expressed how deeply he felt the love and support of The River Church family and was profoundly grateful for the visits, prayers, and kindness shown to him, Kathy, and Katelyn in his final months.

Harold had a wonderful sense of humor and a collection of classic one-liners. When asked how he was doing, he was known to reply, “I’m finer than frog fuzz.” His quick wit and laid-back personality made him a joy to be around.

He never met a stranger. Harold had a genuine love for people and found joy in simply observing the world around him. With a kind and gentle spirit, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Those who knew him couldn’t help but love him.

Harold is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Kathy Mallonee, and his cherished stepdaughter, Katelyn Stevenin. Other survivors include siblings Sharon (Ralph) Porter of Perry, KS; Glenn (Vicki) Mallonee of Lecompton, KS; Frank Mallonee of Lawrence, KS; Shirley Mallonee of Bentonville, AR; Darlene (Arlen) Kirkwood of Topeka, KS; and Dorothy (Delmer) Wischmeier of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Mallonee Sr. and Josie Mallonee; his sister, Delores Hash; his son, Michael Mallonee; and his daughter, Michele Mallonee.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kathy Mallonee to help with final expenses.