David Carlton Malcolm

David Carlton Malcolm, a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran and Air Force Reservist, passed away April 4, 2024 with his girls at his side. Dave valued service to his country high above all else attaining the rank of Colonel. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Dave is survived by his two devoted daughters Jennifer Malcolm Lauscha (Dennis Patrick Lauscha) and Shelley Anne Malcolm. His grandchildren are Dennis Patrick Lauscha, Junior, Evelyn Anne Lauscha and his namesake, David Malcolm Epstein. The son of Army Colonel "Mal" Marion Malcolm, Special Envoy to Indonesia, and Carolyn Virginia de le Baum, Dave was born in San Antonio, Texas. In his youth, Dave enjoyed playing High School Football, College Baseball and Boxing in the Marines for sport. He received degrees in Engineering and Mathematics from Louisiana Tech. The day after graduation, Dave enlisted in the Marines. As a Marine Captain, Dave trained at the highest levels to become an F-4 Phantom Fighter Pilot. Based in Cherry Point, N.C., Dave trained at Quantico and attended Top Gun. Dave bravely served his country flying Reconnaissance in Vietnam. He was stationed at a highly secretive airbase in Japan. When his tour of duty ended, Dave returned to Louisiana Tech where he received his Masters Degree in Engineering. Dave had a professional career as an Executive with Bell South, then AT&T/Lucent. He traveled extensively, residing with his family in Birmingham, Atlanta, New Jersey, Singapore, and the Philippines. Dave retired in Dallas, TX, where he was headquartered at Lucent Technologies. Throughout his professional career, Dave was a devoted member of the Air Force Reserves and flew his beloved F-4 Phantom for 32 years with the 117 RW in Birmingham, Alabama. Always mischievous, reports of jet fly overs were common when he was on duty. He was renowned for his nerves of steel. Dave was always up for anything and he excelled in all that he did. Dave loved everything outdoors, including camping, hiking, skiing, fishing, and hunting. He was a scratch golfer. He cheered for his two favorite teams, the New Orleans Saints and the Texas Rangers. Lots of Ooh Rahs! and YGBSM?! Dave was a true gentleman, chivalrous, courteous, honorable and humble. Never would he boast about his fantastic abilities. His handshake was his solemn vow. In lieu of flowers, Dave would have liked us to always remember those who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. And, to pray for and support the brave men and women who currently serve our country. A private memorial service honoring his life will be held at the family's country home on the Wolf River in Mississippi, his happiest place on earth.