F. Eugene Malcolm

1938 - 2025

F. Eugene (Gene) Malcolm

July 14, 1938 - May 13, 2025

F. Eugene (Gene) Malcolm, 86, of Rock Island, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.

Gene was born Bastille Day 1938, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Chauncey F. Sr. and Eva M. (Peterson) Malcolm. He graduated from Alwood High School and Western Illinois University. Gene worked on the family farm in his younger years. He was a business teacher for 3 years at Winola High School in Viola and a business and speech/drama teacher for 30 years at Rock Island High School. Gene also worked as a payroll clerk for Yellowstone National Park, a host, bartender, and office help at Ben's Gourmet House for 20 years, dinner theatre director, host, and bartender at The Lighthouse, Washington Island, WI, business instructor at Hamilton Business College, Moline, and was a partner in a sewing business.

Gene was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Past President of the National Havanese Club of America dog club, American Federation of Teachers, Illinois Retired Teacher Association-Blackhawk Division, and the Mallards Booster Club. He was active in Quad City theater performing with the QC Music Guild, Playcrafters, Genesius Guild, Black Hawk College, St. Ambrose College, Vintage Voices, and other theatre groups.

Gene loved to travel and visited many U.S. states and Canadian Provinces. He traveled to Russia twice to visit his close friends, Sergei and Michelle Zvyagin and family. Gene also traveled to Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and England to visit family and friends. He loved gardening and had over 100 different irises. Gene was also a collector of art and sculpture.

Gene raised and showed Havanese dogs around the country. He was "Breeder of the Year" for the American Rare Breed Association in 1995. His kennel "Setacane Havanese" was a well-known name in the 1990's.

Gene is survived by his nephew, Steve (Joan) Malcolm, Houma, LA, a great niece, two great nephews, and 4 great-great nephews and nieces.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and brother and sister-in-law, Chauncey Jr. and Mary Jo Malcolm.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Private inurnment will be in Woodhull Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan, IL or the Woodhull Cemetery Association, Woodhull, IL.

Online condolences may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.