Leo Jackson Malone Jr., Ph.D.: 1938-2024

06/11/2024

Leo Jackson "Jack" Malone Jr., Ph.D., a former professor of Chemistry and Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at Saint Louis University, died on April 22, 2024. He was 85.

Malone was born July 24, 1938 in Wichita, Kansas. He stayed in his hometown and attended the University of Wichita, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1960 and his masters in 1962. Both degrees were in chemistry. While earning his degrees, he worked as a research assistant in the summer of 1961 at Los Alamos Scientific Lab in New Mexico. 

Malone earned his doctorate in chemistry in 1964 from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, he was named a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) fellow. 

While pursuing his degrees, Malone began his teaching career, working as a teaching fellow at both Wichita and Michigan. 

Malone joined the faculty at Saint Louis University in February 1965 as an assistant professor in the chemistry department. He spent the next 40 years at SLU before retiring in 2005.

At SLU, Malone served as an assistant professor and associate professor before being named a full professor in 1973. As a professor, he taught general chemistry and inorganic chemistry. 

He also served as the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School from 1968 to 1971 and spent part of 1971 as the school’s acting dean. While at SLU, Malone was part of several committees, including the Curriculum Review Committee, the Library Board, the Athletic Council, and the University Budget Committee. He also was president of the Inaugural Committee for SLU’s 31st President, Lawrence Biondi, S.J.

Malone was a member of the American Chemical Society and was a Program Chairman and treasurer for the group. He also was part of the New York Academy of Science and the American Association of University Professors. He was a Danforth Associate in 1968. 

Malone was the author of several publications, including "Basic Concepts of Chemistry.” The book, an introduction to college chemistry and AP high school chemistry, went through nine editions.

A funeral Mass and celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at St. Francis Xavier College Church.