John Roy Malone was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on August 10, 1947, to John Riley and Mary Poyner Malone. He had made his home in Green River, Wyoming, since 1999.

A lifelong educator, he was known affectionately as "Coach John." Following his retirement from Green River High School, he was elected to the Sweetwater County School District Board, where he served for eight years.

Before his time in Wyoming, John spent 25 years in Arkansas, including in his beloved Pocahontas, working as a teacher, coach, athletic trainer, and advocate for youth. He cared deeply for his students and players, taking great joy in their successes and feeling grateful to have played even a small part in their journeys.

John loved people and conversation. He will be remembered for his humor, good cheer, and gift for storytelling—he truly never met a stranger. Having faced difficulties himself, he showed deep compassion for others and offered kindness and support through some of life's most challenging times.

A lover of the arts, John often participated in community theatre, appearing in musicals such as The Music Man and Oklahoma! On more than one occasion, after coaching a football game, he would take up the baton and direct the band in a performance of the alma mater. He was also a strong supporter of community fundraisers and was active in several civic organizations, including the Rotary Club and Lions Club.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Malone West of Oxford, Mississippi; his granddaughter, Mary Katherine West; and his brother, James Malone of Ruidoso, New Mexico

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on October 18 at Pocahontas First United Methodist Church reception to follow in the Weatherford Hall.

Memorials may be made in his honor to the Pocahontas High School Bands, 2312 Stadium Drive, Pocahontas,  AR 72455 or the Green River Wyoming High School Bands, 351 Monroe Ave, Green River, WY 82935.