Michael Tait Malone
April 11, 1961 ~ July 4, 2024
Michael Tait Malone, 63, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, with his wife, Shelly of 41 years at his side.
Born April 11, 1961, in Wichita, KS, Mike attended Southeast High School (1979) and later graduated from Wichita State University with a BBA degree in Marketing and Real Estate Land Economics Use. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Gerald and Mary Joanne Malone; grandchild, Hudson Tait Sherwood. Survived by his wife, Shelly Malone; daughters, Mandy (Lance) Putnam of Manhattan, KS, Ashley (Josh) Sherwood of Park City, KS; grandchildren, Ezra Putnam, Isabella Sherwood; brothers, Patrick (Sydney) Malone, William (Kaye) Malone; nephews, Zach Malone and Jack Malone.
His career began in 1977, with the family title insurance business, Fidelity Title. He worked many years in the title industry including TICOR, TRW, and 24 years at Fidelity National Title as Vice President and Agency Manager. He served on boards and taught classes in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri; including, President of Kansas Land Title Association, NLTA, MLTA, Chairman of Quail Unlimited, Chairman of Quail Forever, & Housing Board of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Wichita State University.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting with his dog Roscoe. He and Shelly have been Chiefs season ticket holders for 34 years and loved attending many games with friends over the years. He enjoyed buying and selling items for his antique booth, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was adventurous, generous, had a great sense of humor, and was always the life of the party.
Memorial Service will be at 4:00 pm, Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212, and Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors, P.O. Box 48101, Wichita, Kansas 67201.
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At Title School, in my minds eye of Mike is that he was ALWAYS smiling. I will always remember him that way and making people laugh. I pray healing for the family and that wonderful memories will carry the family thru during this heavy hearted time.
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Mike greatly here at Fidelity. I have known Mike for over 30 years. Mike was one of the most knowledgeable people in the title industry and really cared about people, including his customers and his coworkers. His shoes will be impossible to fill.
Rick Pierce
Shelly, Mandy, and Ashley, I was saddened to hear of my friend of 46 or so years passing. I first met Mike in about 1978, while visiting with Bill, his dad and Uncle Frank Malone as my agents with Pioneer National Title (TICOR). I then hired him at TRW as an agency rep when y’all lived in OP. It has been an honor and pleasure to have worked with Mike thru the years in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Okla, the Dakotas and Minnesota. Mike was well liked and respected by all who knew him in the title industry through out these states. At one time we, Mike and one of my sons and I leased some duck and geese blinds in north Missouri and made many hunting trips to the area to hunt. Mike was a good friend thru the years as a fellow employee and as a competitor.
i was so sorry to receive the news of his passing which left a real void in me. My heart is heavy for I lost a good friend. Brenda and I have been praying for Mike as he fought the physical issues and then his heart attack. You and your families are in our prayers and will remain so in the days to come. We pray that Jesus will wrap his arms of love and comfort around you and draw y’all close in this time of sorrow and provide strength comfort and peace in the weeks to follow. .
Doug & Brenda Simmons
Shelly, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, he was for sure one of a kind and I not only considered him a colleague but a long time friend. He will be missed by all. I pray for God to comfort and give you and the family peace in the days to come.
Mike was such a positive life force! Always laughing, making others laugh and making life just a little more fun. I worked with Mike for many years at FNF and admired his work ethic, character and willingness to always seek improvement. He was an amazing advocate for our company and will be dearly missed. Just looking at the smiling photos of him brings back great memories of our times together.
Rob Wineman
My sincere condolences to the whole family on this great loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all. May God grant you His mercy and peace.
Gone too soon but never forgotten. Sending Love and Prayers for the family.
Lois Wilson, Wiggins Abstract Co., Inc.
Rolla, Missouri
I did not know him but worked with his beautiful daughter Ashley ism sure their was not a person he meet that was not a friend so very sorry for the family’s loss I know he will be missed every day God bless hugs and prayers
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have gotten to know Mike though MLTA over the years. He was always one to light up a room. I know his great knowledge and friendly spirit will be greatly missed by all.
My condolences to Mike’s family and friends for your loss. May God bring you peace and comfort. Mike will be greatly missed by all of us in the title industry.
Linda Volf, Springdale Title & Realty, Inc.
Ord, NE
Mike was a special character who always had a funny comment and seemed to always be smiling. He will be missed.
There are certain people that leave an indelible mark on you. Mike is one of those individuals. Certainly, he is one of the most authentic characters you will ever meet! Though I did not know how to take him when we first met, I learned quickly to appreciate his candor, directness, humor, and willingness to be ‘unapologetically’ himself. He would accept trouble before backing away from a fight he felt was ‘right’. He took people at their word and offered the same. I am grateful for the circumstances and timing that allowed me to get to know him as I did. You won’t find a more fierce advocate for clients, a more knowledgeable colleague, or more generous friend.
My heart goes out to the family and I trust that Shelly, Mandy and Ashley will find comfort in the joy Mike gave the world, even as it will be greatly missed. I wish I could find the words to express my condolences or provide solace at this time. Your encouragement, strength and support during his illness has been an inspiration. There is little doubt he was bolstered by your care.
As a “West-Coast-Tree-Hugger”, I’m planting a tree in your name, Malone.
Rest well, my friend.
It was a pleasure working with Mike. We will all miss Mike’s smile, support and friendship.
I’ve smiled many times during the last few days while reflecting on the many company, industry, and customer outings I attended with Mike during the past 16 years. He was one of a kind! I will miss his shenanigans, our Chiefs-Lions discussions, grandbaby updates, and his wealth of industry knowledge.
My thoughts and prayers are with Shelly, Mandy, and Ashley. I hope knowing how much Mike was thought of brings you comfort during these difficult days.
Rest in peace, my funny, bold, loyal, and endearing friend.
P.S. I will always think of you and smile (and double-check my luggage tag) when traveling to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. “If you know, you know.”
I’m catching up on summer work emails and just saw this:(. Shelly, Mandy and Ashley, (and family) blessings to all of you on Mike’s passing. The Malones are one of my all-time favorite “choir families” and I am so sorry for your loss!
Remembering Mike’s smile makes me smile, as I hope is does for all of you in these coming days.
With deepest sympathy,
Shawn Chastain