MALCOLM RAY VAWTER

MALCOLM RAY VAWTER Malcolm Ray Vawter, age 81, of Kempton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 21, 1943 to his parents, Farrell W. Vawter and Esther May (Dawson) Vawter. He married Patsy (Justice) Vawter on December 31, 1985 and the two have shared 39 years of marriage. Malcolm graduated from Prairie Township High School in the class of 1961. Malcolm was always a hard worker and pursued several different career paths throughout his life. He was a barber, he worked several years for Kempton Grocery as the meat-cutter and ended up retiring from Buddy's Carpet in Kokomo as a salesman. This was all in addition to the time he spent in service to his country. Malcolm proudly dedicated 22 years of service to the United States National Guard. In Malcolm's spare time you may have found him fishing, or simply enjoying time outdoors. He loved all animals, and sometimes had to be reminded that not every animal would make a good pet. He had a big heart, and never wanted to see any living thing struggle. Malcolm could sometimes be stubborn and a bit gruff, but his tender heart always eventually showed through. He had a soft spot for all of his grandkids, and being "Grandpa" was a title he felt very blessed to have. Malcolm was genuinely a fun person to spend time with. In his younger years, he was never short of energy. Plenty of family memories were made, and he was at the center of a lot of them. He always enjoyed time with his kids. He coached little league for many years and started the first team in Kempton. Malcolm also trained horses and encouraged his kids every year to show animals in the county fair. In more recent years, you may have found Malcolm bowling, watching a Western movie, or enjoying time with friends at the Moose Lodge (where he was a loyal member for many years). Malcolm was a genuine soul and will be greatly missed! Those left to carry on Malcolm's legacy of love are his wife, Pat Vawter; children, Chris Vawter (Jessica), Cam Vawter (Becky), James Vawter, Dawn Moody (Joe); grandchildren, Christopher Vawter, Damion Vawter, Abrianna Vawter, Lexie Rude, Ethan Vawter, David Moody, Anna Moody; 2 great grandchildren; siblings, Mary Esther Welcher, Diana Smith, Sondra Rogers, David Vawter; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Malcolm was preceded in death by his parents, Farrell & Esther Vawter. A memorial service, including full military honors will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Pastor Larry Sims officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vawter family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Malcolm with his family on his tribute wall.