John Malak

John Peter Malak, 81, died Friday, April 20, 2018. He was born December 20, 1936, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to the late Josephine and Walter Malak. He lived most of his adult life in North Little Rock and was Catholic.
An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he worked for the Veterans Administration for 38 years as a representative for the Little Rock National Cemetery. After retiring from federal service in 2001, he helped with the establishment and opening of the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock and served as its first director.
He was a founding member of the Arrowhead Social Club and a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 1004.
John was devoted to his wife and family. He was friendly, considerate, kind, outgoing and never met a stranger. He loved working in his yard and visiting with neighbors. He was an avid Giants fan, loved polkas and the music of Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond. John collected miniature cars and airplanes.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Julia; two daughters, Kim Wickliffe of Conway, Nikki Harper and her husband Keith of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Jason Wickliffe of Conway, Jessica Mason (Miles) of Montgomery, Texas, Jenna Caple (Matt) of Conway, Ryan Harper of Maumelle, and Niklas Harper of Maumelle; five great-grandchildren, Brad Wickliffe of Conway, Bennett, Aubrey and Britton Mason of Montgomery, Texas, Oliver Caple of Conway and several cousins.
Visitation to be held Monday, April 23, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Graveside service, officiated by Father Tom Marks of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County or a charity of your choice.
Visit the online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com