Archibald Maloney

ARAB, Mo. -- Archibald Alexander Maloney, 80, of Arab passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Surrounded by family, Archie entered the gates of Heaven after a short battle with cancer.

Archie was born Feb. 8, 1942, in Bollinger County, Missouri. He was the son of John and Flora Maloney and Fred and Ina George. Archie attended Zalma (Missouri) High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and graduated in 1961.

Archie grew up working on the George family farm, where he would rise in time to complete his morning chores before catching the school bus. As part of his farm responsibilities, Fred taught Archie how to maintain farm equipment which led to his avid interest with all things mechanical.

Fred and Ina took Archie to Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Arab, where he began his life-long relationship with Christ. He was a dedicated and faithful member of his church, caring for the church grounds and the cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Archie was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, completing his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he completed his service, and was honorably discharged in 1968. Archie was very proud of his service to his country and was a member the Puxico, Missouri, VFW Post 7822. He took great pride in wearing his U.S. Army Vietnam cap.

Archie and Mary Lucille VanMatre were married on a snowy day at Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church on Jan. 26, 1969. Archie and Lucille were blessed with 53 years of marriage. He was a loving and devoted husband who cared for his family by driving an over-the-road truck for 34 years. Archie's career took him far away from home and to most of the lower 48 states. In 2008, he retired from Landstar Trucking where he was a Million Mile Safe Driver.

After retirement, you could usually find Archie in his shop where he enjoyed working on cars and anything that had a motor. He was proud of his antique cars especially the first car he worked on: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He loved entering area car shows, where he was awarded many trophies. He was an active member of the Heartland Cruisers car club of Puxico and always enjoyed attending its events.

Archie never met a stranger and made many new friends by striking up a conversation based on his Vietnam veteran's cap. Archie's gentle disposition and gift of conversation allowed him the chance to witness his faith, woven with stories about family, trucking, old cars, Western movies and basketball. He made many trips in his pickup to Puxico and Arab to visit with his friends over a hot cup of coffee and lunch.

Archie was very proud of his daughters and sons-in-law. He was always willing to help them with any project. Archie loved supporting his grandchildren by attending their activities and events.

The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include Archie's beautiful wife, Mary Lucille VanMatre Maloney of Arab; and three devoted daughters, Sheila Niswonger of St. Louis, Lisa (Kip) Musgrave of Dexter, Missouri, and Laura (David) Bess of Cape Girardeau. Archie was a proud "Pa-Paw" to five grandchildren, Kacie and Zach Niswonger of St. Louis,; Kolby and Kenli Musgrave of Dexter and Joda Grace Bess of Cape Girardeau; two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Chase; and other relatives and close friends.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flora Maloney and Fred and Ina George; his brother, Daniel William Maloney, and his sister, Emma May Maloney.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Cemetery at Arab.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at the Bank of Advance.