John Lee Malcolm Obituary (1943

John Lee Malcolm, age 76, of Danvers, IL passed away at 4:07 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at his residence after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 1, 2019 at North Danvers Mennonite Church, 5517 E 1950 North Road, Danvers, IL. Rev. Brian Johnson and Rev. Rich Bucher will officiate. The family will receive friends after the memorial service at the church. A private family graveside service was held previously at Park Lawn Cemetery, Danvers, IL. The family requests memorials are made to North Danvers Mennonite Church, Danvers IL, or Growing Hope (formerly Foods Resource Bank). Arrangements are being handled by Otto-Argo-Calvert Memorial Home, Danvers IL. John was born January 7, 1943 in Ft. Wayne, IN, the son of John H. "Hank" and Phyllis Sible Malcolm. He married his partner and spouse of 29 years, Michela "Cala" Laible, on December 24, 2007 in Savannah, Georgia. She survives. Also surviving are his two sons: J. Randall "Randy" (Cherie) Malcolm, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Larry Malcolm, Lexington, IL; five grandchildren: Jason, Matthew, Boyd, Justin and Megan, as well as a number of great-grandchildren. Also, surviving are seven siblings: Jerry Malcolm, Auburndale, FL; Jean (George) Aylesworth, Ft. Wayne, IN; Karen (John) Von Gunten , Greenfield, IN; Alan (Sherry Slavin) Malcolm, Churubusco, IN; Mike (Margaret) Malcolm, Columbia City, IN; Marcia Jackson, Huntsville, AL; Brian Malcolm, California; father-in-law, Charles Laible, Rock City, IL; brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles. John received his bachelor's degree in Agronomy from Purdue University and his Master's degree from Virginia Tech. He then completed his PhD coursework at Iowa State University in Agronomy and Soil Management. John began his research career at Rhone-Poulenc in 1974, later moving to Funk Seeds International (later known as Ciba-Geigy, Novartis and now Syngenta) where he retired in 1992. While at Funk's, John held various roles as Agronomist, Manager of Marketing Administration-Planning-Training, Product Development Agronomist, and Seed Production Research Manager. From 1992 until 1999 John worked for Asgrow Seed Company as Production Research Manager. After retirement, John was a recruiter in the agricultural field and obtained his real estate license, working at Brady Weaver Real Estate. For five years, John was township property tax assessor within McLean County. John was a certified crop advisor and a member of numerous professional societies within agriculture. John was a past member of various Lions Clubs in Illinois, North Carolina, and Georgia. He was very active in church mission, locally, nationally and internationally. Before ALS, John was happiest when busy in the middle of a project either at home or assisting others. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com