Joseph E. 'Gene' Mallory, 71, Minot, died Saturday, July 1, 2017, in a Minot hospital.

Joseph 'Gene' Mallory was born September 12, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to June C. Mallory and William H. Mallory. His blended family included his grandmother, grandfather and uncle all together in the same household. He was raised and educated in Kansas City.

Gene joined the United States Air Force serving his country honorably from 1964 to 1968 in Anchorage, AK and Minot, ND. Gene was united in marriage to Susan Miller August 25, 1967 at Red Bridge Christian Church in Kansas City, MO. Sue joined him in Minot in 1967 and this has been their home ever since.

Following his military service, Gene was employed as a property manager of several properties in Minot including a motel. He was active in the local motel association and worked with that group in establishing Minot's first Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 1978 he decided to branch out on his own and opened his professional floor covering business, Gene's Carpet Service. He owned and operated the business for nearly 30 years and partnered with Dave Beuchler for the last 10 years until retiring in 2007.

Gene loved the lake and fishing for walleyes and everything about the outdoors. He and Sue would be out in their boat on Lake Sakakawea almost every weekend during the summer. For many years his Uncle would travel from Missouri for 10 days of marathon fishing in early October. And if his fishing buddies would call he'd be ready to go in no time. In later years he developed a love of ice fishing.

He had a passion for music, learning to play the saxophone at an early age. Though not playing professionally, he joined the Minot Musicians Union and was active on their Board including a term as Board Chairman. He especially loved the Rock and Roll music of the 50's and 60's which could be heard playing in his garage almost daily.

He loved cars and especially convertibles. In 2010 he purchased a 1975 Chevy Caprice Convertible which he and Sue enjoyed almost every night in nice weather. He was a member of the Dakota Cruisers Car Club in Minot where he and Sue enjoyed the cars and the many friendships made.

Gene's surviving family includes his loving of wife of nearly 50 years, Susan, Minot; siblings, Bill (Mary) Mallory, Kansas City, MO, Darlene (Ed) Grider, Claremore, OK, Al (Linda) Nicoloff, Claremore, OK and Mike Nicoloff, Tulsa, OK, special uncle, Sammy Krist, Kansas City, MO, special niece, Susie Gardner, Kansas City, MO, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathy Grimm.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2017, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot with a time of fellowship to follow at the Vegas Motel in Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, July 6, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. There will be no reviewal, cremation has taken place.
Memorials are preferred to Dakota Cruisers Car Club, Souris Valley Animal Shelter or American Heart Association.