Keith was born in Eatonville, Washington and lived there for 92 years. He graduated from EHS in 1942, joined the Navy and served for three and a half years before opening his own meat market in the Red and White store, formerly located in the parking lot of Kirk’s Pharmacy. He was actually born in the second story of the pharmacy, which used to be a hospital. He married Delores Jones in 1949 and they began their lives together as husband and wife, business partners and parents. They were happily married for 66 years and enjoyed that time together with family and friends.
Keith and Delores worked as grocers, restaurant owners and opened various businesses in town. In 1963, after 17 years in the Red and White with Jess Dawkins, they made the jump and built Malcoms’ Shop Rite (now Medical Billing). He managed the store from 1963 to 1979 and employed local people. They built Malcoms’ Deli in the 70’s (now Bruno’s), then the Shell station. In 1987 they built the Milltown Center, then the Mill Village Motel in 1992. Along with these projects, they also built the storage units, the mobile home park and office space across from Arrow lumber. Keith enjoyed his business endeavors and worked until he was 90 years old. These establishments connected the family with customers, friends and visitors of this town.
Keith was one of the oldest members of the Lions’ Club and enjoyed and contributed to their service and community projects. He recently received an award from the American Legion for 75 years of membership. He dedicated his life and time to help build this community and employed many of its youth and citizens. He was a man of integrity and led more by example than by words.
Keith and Delores were both members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Jones Malcom, parents Olaf and Jessie Malcom, brothers Barney and Bruce and sister Muriel. He is survived by his son Gary, and daughters Kathy (Mike) Knelleken, Linda Rosenow, and Diana (Waylan) Jumper along with 8 grandchildren: Lindsay (Dave) Spencer, Jared Knelleken, Hilary (Nick Gavin) Knelleken, Matthew Knelleken, Brooke Rosenow, Jessie Rosenow, Shelby Jumper and Riley Jumper. Great grandchildren are Amelia, William and Margaret Spencer, Madelyn Knelleken and Easton Gavin.
On Friday April 28, 2017 there will be a 10:30 AM Mass in Eatonville at Our Lady of Good Counsel. There will be a reception to celebrate Keith’s wonderful life at 12:00 at the Woodsman Barn, 35912 Pulford Rd.East north of Eatonville.
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