John Franklin Malish

John Franklin Malish, age 79, of Louisville, died early Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the Green Valley Care Center in New Albany, Indiana.

Before Alzheimer's compromised his final decade, friends will attest that John was an easygoing soul: ceaselessly playful and unwaveringly dutiful. John began life as a military brat, weaned on patriotism during his upbringing at Fort Knox.

Extending the proud military tradition of his family, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served at the U-Tapao Royal Thai Airfield during the Vietnam War. He returned to Louisville and forged an acclaimed career working for the Robley Rex Veterans' Affairs Hospital. John met the love of his life, Myra Munzer, in 1970 and proposed a month later; he regarded "marrying up" and fatherhood as his two crowning achievements.

John enjoyed balmy winters in Miramar Beach, Florida, and frequent visits back to the family home he helped his father construct at Rough River Lake. His waterfront adolescence fostered talents for swimming, fishing, and waterskiing. This enthusiasm for the outdoors equipped John to volunteer as an exemplary Boy Scout leader. He further donated his time to Southeast Christian Church, where he functioned as a tour guide. Lesser-known talents included refinishing furniture, gardening, and playing the radio. John had an insatiable sweet tooth and a penchant for washing cars that were already clean.

John could often be found in proximity to a television, nursing a Bud Light while fidgeting with foreign coins, unique rocks, or acorns. He never lost his boyish enthusiasm for war documentaries, though he regularly lost the remote control. John was liable to purchase any article of clothing if it prominently featured the American flag - he loved his country, he loved his family, and he loved a good laugh. His later years featured many wonderful afternoons at the Lakeside Swim Club and daily meet-ups to reminisce with buddies at Taco Bell.

John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Myra, their son Luke, special friend Daniel, sister JoAnn Paxton (Neil, nieces nephews and friends.

John will be buried at Resthaven Memorial Park in Louisville following a private, graveside ceremony officiated by Bishop Walter Jones.

Visitation for family and friends will occur from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Southeast Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Road).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests monetary donations to Louisville Veterans' Affairs Medical Center or Hosparus. To donate to Robley Rex VA Hosptial please visit https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/, select "Kentucky" as the state, then select "Robley Rex" as the facility. If you would like to donate by mail, please send check (Robley Rex VA Medical Center) to:

Robley Rex VA Medical CenterMailcode: 135800 Zorn AvenueLouisville, Kentucky 40206

The family also wishes to thank both the Green Valley Care Center Staff and Hosparus for helping John shoulder the cruelty of Alzheimer's with his characteristic valor and dignity. The family is grateful for their compassion and kindness and exemplary care.

To leave a memory of John or a condolence for the family, please use the "Guest Book" option below.