Laverne Malone

Laverne Wesley Malone, 82, of Decatur, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Sharon United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church or Maroa-Forsyth Foundation.

Laverne was born November 20, 1942, in Decatur, IL, the son of Paul and Leota (Austin) Malone. He married Sharon Blakeman on January 30, 1965, and she preceded him in death on February 2, 2009. He then married Linda “Diane” Ritter on October 8, 2010. He taught science and biology for junior high and high school in Blue Mound before becoming co-owner of Agri Serve Agricultural Insurance Company.

Laverne enjoyed fishing and wintering in Florida. He was an active member of Sharon United Methodist Church and former member of the Maroa-Forsyth School Board, the Corn Belt Energy Board and the Maroa and Scott State Bank Boards.

He is survived by his wife Diane; daughter Michelle (Jay) Schafer of Marion, IL; granddaughter Montana Schafer of Carterville, IL; grandson Cole of Marion, IL; stepson, Kraig (Kelly) Ritter; stepdaughter, Kristin (Bob) Dahlke; step-grandchildren: Hannah (Cory) Bickes, Jairon (fiancé Madelyn Preusse) Ritter, Charlie Ritter, Daniel Dahlke, Patrick Dahlke and Caroline Dahlke; step-great-grandchildren: Micah and Lucy Bickes.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Sharon.