John Alton Mallory

John Alton Mallory, 88, of Mineral Wells, TX passed away Friday, May 8, 2026, at Big Creek Senior Living after enduring almost 6 years without his loving wife, Shirley.

John was born the youngest child of John Marion and Minden (Minnie) Christian Malllory on June 8, 1937, in Mineral Wells, TX. The youngest of 8 siblings, John had a strict upbringing and stayed busy trying to keep up with his older brothers and sisters, which contributed to his strong work ethic throughout his life. Even in retirement, he always had a project he was working on. John was active at Indian Creek Baptist Church and graduated from Mineral Wells High School.

On February 12, 1960, John married the love of his life, Shirley Cox. Together, they raised five sons: Tim (Renea) Snider, Weatherford, TX; Mark (Aneilia) Snider, Gillette, WY; Robert Lee (Terri) Snider, Weatherford, TX; David (Susan) Mallory, Mineral Wells, TX; and Jeff (Lynne) Mallory, Weatherford, TX. They’re also grandparents to twelve grandchildren; Shane (Holly) Snider, Traci Pierce, Amber (Daniel) Wilcox, BJ Gann, Darcee (Eric) Gamble, Krys Snider, Nicole Herring, Laura Wadley, Colby (Jenny) Gann, Andy (Amanda) Snider, Angela (Aimee) Khuzkian and Travis (Nadine) Mallory as well as 32 great grandkids and 19 great great grandkids. He also enjoyed a special relationship with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was known for his talent on the football field during his school years, earning the nickname “Rocky.” He was offered a scholarship to play football for Ranger College, but chose instead to begin working and building his future. His football legacy remained long after graduation; his photo stayed in the high school trophy case until his youngest son, Jeff, attended school there, and a team photo featuring John was proudly displayed at Boomers for many years.

As a father, John was a constant supporter of his boys, faithfully attending and encouraging them in sports and other activities. His work often took him on the road, and he especially loved telling the story of how Shirley’s favorite rocking chair was discovered during a backroads trip through Louisiana, a story that became even more meaningful after one of the grandchildren moved to New Orleans.

John was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, but nothing brought him more pride than being “Peepaw” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Children brought out a tenderness in him that many who worked alongside him may have never seen. He loved spending time in his shop, always tinkering, fixing things, and creating handmade wooden rubber band guns for his grandchildren (a big hit!), often letting them “help” with the projects along the way.

John and Shirley cherished every opportunity to support their grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events, birthday celebrations, graduations, and countless other milestones, creating memories their family will treasure forever.

John’s biggest accomplishment was spending 61 years married to Shirley and the family that they created. He loved her with everything he had and was her sole caregiver the last 5 years of her life as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed. His love and dedication to Shirley were unmatched.

John was welcomed into Heaven by his sweet wife, Shirley; son, David Mallory; daughter-in-law, Terri Snider; grandson, Colby Gann; his siblings, Mattie, Mary, William, Lela, Dorothy Faye, Chester, and Robert; as well as his parents, John and Minnie Mallory.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Indian Creek Cemetery in Mineral Wells, TX, with a lunch at Indian Creek Baptist Church New Life Center to follow. 

Arrangements are under the care of Baum-Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home of Mineral Wells, TX.