Malone Alumni News

  Brenda Lee Pavlantos '89 passed away on June 10, 2026 from complications following spinal surgery in August 2025.  She was a proud graduate of Timken High School, Class of 1974. Brenda continued her education by earning her Associate degree from Stark State, her Bachelor's degree in Business from Malone University, and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Brenda was an example to everyone she met of what it truly means to trust Christ completely. As a preteen, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a journey that led to more than 30 major surgeries which drove her love of medicine and understanding the human body. When she was recently asked about the highlights of her life, she spoke about her early surgeries that restored her mobility functions and allowed her to live fully-as a wife, mother, Yiayia, and devoted member of her church and community. She considered that ability to keep moving forward one of her greatest accompli...

Robert "Bob" Grams '56 passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2026. Bob was raised in Ypsilanti and grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance at an early age. After graduating from high school, he continued his education at Cleveland Bible College, now Malone University, where he pursued his passion for music and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education and Music. He later received his Master's Degree from Youngstown State University, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning. While attending Cleveland Bible College, Bob met the love of his life, Wilma J. Howard. The two were married on August 9, 1952, and shared nearly 73 years together until Wilma's passing on March 31, 2025. Bob devoted 32 years to teaching in the Austintown School District, where he served at Frank Ohl and Fitch Schools. In 1957, Bob and Wilma joined the Salem First Friends Church, where their faith became a central part of their ...

  Paul Muklewicz '03, age 44, passed away on March 29. Paul graduated from Malone with his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He went on to teach and coach at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. Paul was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer in July, but that did not stop him from living a life committed to the Lord and his family. Paul and his family were members of Christ Community Chapel.  Paul is survived by his wife, Suzy, his 4 children, and one child that is due this month, his mother, sister, and nieces/nephews. We send our condolences and prayers to Paul's family during this time as they navigate this tragic loss. We pray the Lord's peace and strength would reveal itself to the family. To read the full obituary, click here .

  John Hexamer '68, age 81, passed away on April 2. John obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and his Bachelor's of Science in Education from Malone. John made his career as a teacher, administrator, and driver's education instructor in the Northwest School District in Canal Fulton. John also loved the outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy, his 2 children, 1 grandson, siblings, and nieces & nephews. We send our condolences and prayers to the family of John during this time, and ask the Lord to be present with the family. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Alma Martin *74 passed away at the age of 95 on March 27. Alma spent her career working as a teacher in the Massillon City School District, impacting young learners. Alma loved her family and the memories she created with them, particularly the many trips to Tappan Lake. She was also deeply committed to her faith and living a life committed to Jesus. Alma is survived by her 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 31 great-children. We send our prayers to Alma's family, and pray the peace and comfort of the Lord would be with them during this time. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Robert "Ed" Edwin Haglock '86, age 71, passed away on March 19. Ed graduated with his Bachelor's degree from Malone in Business Management. He spent a vast majority of his career at Timken Steel. He was very involved in church, specifically at Dover First Moravian Church, and then later at Trinity United Methodist Church. Ed loved to be outside, spending time in God's creation. Ed is survived by his wife, Jill Anne, his two children, and his 4 grandchildren. We send our prayers to the family of Ed during this time, and ask the spirit and strength of the Lord be evident to the family. To read the full obituary, click here .

Christopher Maurer *69, age 76, passed away on March 18. Chris made his career as Executive VP of Human Resources at First Merit. He was also heavily involved in the community, including his role as an Eagle Scout and a Mason. Chris loved sports, including cheering on his favorite teams, and golfing with his friends.  Chris is survived by his wife, Cynthia, 2 daughters, 3 grandsons, and his siblings. We send our prayers to the family of Chris during this difficult time, and pray the Lord would be evident. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Helen Grunder '13, age 61, passed away on March 20. Helen graduated from Malone with her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Helen had a special love for animals, particularly cats, and was also someone who found peace and comfort in being outside in nature. Helen's true joy in life was her family, whom she loved dearly. Helen is survived by her mother, husband, step-children, siblings, and many extended family members. We send our prayers to the family of Helen during this difficult time, and ask that the family would experience the peace and the comfort of the Lord. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Amy Collen '92, age 56, passed away on March 18. Amy graduated from Malone with her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Amy made her career at Swaglok, but was also involved in the community, such as Girl Scouts and 4H. Amy is survived by her parents, and her two siblings. We send our prayers to the family of Amy during this difficult time, and pray that the peace and comfort of the Lord would be present. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Sam Manos, Jr. '00. age 71, passed away on March 11. Sam obtained his MMP in Management from Malone, and had a career as an RN marked by care & empathy. Sam was a deeply motivated man of faith, and he strived to love and care for others with a Christ-like care, especially to his family. Sam is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Stacey, his 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. We send our prayers to the family of Sam during this difficult time, and that the peace of the Lord would surround them. To read Sam's full obituary, click here .

  Judith Vaught *84, age 82, passed away on February 26. Judith cared deeply for her family, and is survived by her husband, John Sr., her son, granddaughter, 3 siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. We send our prayers to the family of Judith during this difficult time, and pray the Lord would provide peace & grace. To read the full obituary, click here .

Wilbur F. Amacher, Jr., 97, of North Canton, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Wilbur served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 until he was honorably discharged. He worked for Plain Local Schools as a 6th grade teacher for many years and then went on to serve as an Elementary Principal at Ransom Barr School for 27 years until his retirement in 1991. Wilbur loved his career in education, especially working as a teacher, and was very grateful for the wonderful staff he had as principal that kept him alert, not knowing what to expect next, which was all in good fun. Wilbur was married to Kathleen Krieg for 44 years before she passed on June 9, 1994. Two of Wilbur’s proudest moments were the births of his and Kathleen’s two sons, Bill and Brett. On November 25, 1995, he married Joyce “Joy” Cuthbertson, and they have enjoyed almost 30 years of marriage together. Our prayers go out to the Amacher family and all of Wilbur's community duri...

 William "Bill" McConnell `68 on October 5, 2024. Visit sungazette.com

 Ardis Drewyor `49 on October 6, 2024. Visit legacy.com  

 Jack Sickafoose `86 on August 18, 2024. Visit gordonfuneralholmes.com

 Clark Hoopes `75 on 8/11/24. Visit reedfuneralhome.com

 John Ruhlin `02 on 8/4/2024. Visit  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QR48nykJujmGk6To3Ukqad9rg6Q-d7v9odn0Ia0hUlY/edit

 Roy A. Miller `69 on July 25, 2024. Visit t hedailyrecord.com

 Evelyn (Woodruff) Thomas `53 on June 26, 2024. Visit richlandsource.com

 James Loyd Pugh *59 on July 1, 2024. Visit highcountyservice.com