On October 23rd, 2017, Jack Henson Malaby, 94, went to the Heavenly Father.

Born November 27th, 1922 in the Appalachian coal-mining town of Roda, Virginia, Jack's path, as the only boy of 12 siblings was all but written; mining. Rather, young Jack, at the age of 15 left Roda to challenge the world on his own.

Taking chances and making the best of limited opportunities until he came of age, Jack enlisted in the United States Army and rose to the rank of First Sergeant. Along the way, Jack met his lovely wife-to-be, Hildegard, in Regensburg, Germany. A veteran of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Jack and Hilda, with young family in tow, traveled extensively ultimately settling down in the small town of Lorton, Virginia. After 21 years of active service, Jack retired from the Army deciding then to continue serving his country in the Federal Government. Beginning first at NASA he was later appointed Director of the Administrative Services Division, Office of the Comptroller.

Upon retiring from the Federal Government, Jack and Hilda, having raised their family, pursued and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Whether playing golf, woodworking, or hosting Lorton-style Octoberfests, Jack and Hilda, with their ever-expanding family always available, enjoyed life with purpose. Jack and Hilda moved from Lorton to Suffolk, Virginia in 2006. To honor Jack, Hilda, with her still ever-expanding family, is determined to continue enjoying the simple pleasures of life with purpose.

Jack was an adventurous child, a supportive sibling, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who is already greatly missed.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, George and Clancy Malaby, and all but one sibling, Frances Marshall.

Jack leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Hildegard; son, Wade and Heather Malaby of Sandbridge, Virginia; grandchildren, Amber and Hank Kessler, Landon, and Dalton; son, Brian and Beth Malaby of Warrenton, Virginia; and grandchildren, Kenneth, Caroline and Sarah; son, Jeff and Rhonda Malaby of Suffolk, Virginia; grandchildren, Ryan, and Katie and Ryan Pepple; and great grandchildren, Cash, Channing and Caven; and son, Bruce and Lisa Malaby of Suffolk, Virginia; and grandchild Ian.

A celebration of a life-well-lived will be held on Thursday, October 26 ^th at 4:00 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434, (757) 539-3487 with Pastor Tim Robertson officiating. Following the celebration, Jack will be laid to rest with military honors at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia on Friday, October 27 ^th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Jack's final request is that any donations be made in the name of the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.