Duke Mallos

Webb City, MO, lost a town staple on November 15, 2025, as Richard Mallos, fondly known as "Duke" to most, passed away at the age of 77 in his home. Born on September 9, 1948 above the Minerva Candy Store, Duke was a genuine character, a man of strength, dedication, and a unique sense of humor. He spent his life in the city he loved, building a reputation as a hardworking parts mechanic, a lover of cats and cars, a karaoke enthusiast, and an avid doomsday planner. The stories of his youth as a fighter and scrapper live on in the hearts of those who knew him, eventually leading to the "Duke" nickname.
A 1966 graduate of Webb City High School, he went on to Missouri Southern - engaged in auto repair and heavy-lifting wherever he found himself. Duke spent most of his working years at as a parts mechanic, eventually retiring from Cardinal Scale in 2012. His work ethic, honed from his days pulling candy at Minerva, was legendary and inspired many. Avidly collecting Mr. Coffee makers and solving the world's problems were just a few of his eccentricities that endeared him to friends and family. His devotion to his wife Tobi, whom he married on February 28, 1970, was a testament to his capacity for love. Their shared journey through different churches throughout their marriage showcased their joint commitment to faith and each other.
Duke was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tobi, his parents, Gene and Joe Anna Mallos, and his brother, James Mallos. He is survived by his children Lynette Johnson of Joplin, Vity Fidler (Gary) of Galena, KS, Tami Ball of Mesa, AZ, Christi Mallos of Denver, CO, and Richard "Tony" Mallos (Jessie Weidman) of Kansas City; grandchildren Shelby Fries of Lowell, AR, Sidney Cheever (James) of Mesa, AZ, and Victoria "Tori" Mallos (Dru Thompkins) of Denver, CO; six great-grandkids; nephew J.P. Ingold (Mandy) of Olathe, KS; niece Kelsey Ingold (Brandon Shannon) of Olathe, KS; along with other family members and the numerous people who called him 'dad' and 'friend'.
His life will be celebrated with a visitation on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 12pm until 1:30pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, with Masonic Rites beginning at 1:30pm. A graveside service will follow at 2pm at Mt. Hope Cemetery's open air pavilion with Chaplain Nathan Dawson officiating. Those honoring Duke's life by serving as honorary pallbearers are: Bob Brock, Mike Pittman, Norman Rush, and Toby Tyler. Pallbearers will be: Jan Amos, Jason Balard, Andy Booth, Eric Metz, Ryan Metz, Aaron Rollow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.
Services are under the personal care and direction of his longtime neighbors and friends, Simpson Funeral Home. The family invites you to visit www.simpsonfh.com, where you can upload photos and share your memories of Duke.