Malcolm M. McGawn, 81 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023. He was born July 17, 1941 in Melrose Park, Illinois to the late Merrill and Frances (Cooper) McGawn. Graduating valedictorian in the class of 1959 from West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago, Illinois, Malcolm went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut class of 1963. He worked as a Park Ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in 1964. He then entered the U.S Navy Submarine Service from 1964-1970, serving as an officer on the USS Halibut (SSN 587) which won a Presidential Unit Citation for finding and photographing the sunken Soviet sub K-129 on the floor of the Pacific. Following his service, Malcolm earned his Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming in 1972. He then was employed as instructor and engineer at the Westinghouse Nuclear Training Center, Zion, Illinois and at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, San Clemente, California.
A devout Christian, worshipping and serving in churches around the country, most recently Malcolm was a member at Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Indiana, since 2010. He was a runner for 66 years, 1956-2022, setting school records in the mile while in high school and college. Since 1980, Malcolm ran over 53,000 miles, more than twice around the world. Also, an avid reader, he especially the enjoyed the novels of Tom Clancy, Brad Thor (thrillers), Elmer Kelton and Charles West (westerns), Patrick O’Brian and C.S. Forester (sea stories).
On October 12, 1968 in Delhi, NY, Malcolm married Marilyn Maxwell who survives along with their children, Lani (Greg) Fisher of Valparaiso and Mike (Jessica) McGawn, of Edina, MN. Proud & loving Grandpa to Caroline, Chris and Collin Fisher and Brady and Janie McGawn. Also survived by his sisters, Janet Bozedarevic of Waukesha, WI and Carolyn Morris of Pleasant Hills, TN and several nieces & nephews.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on June 30, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church 2610 N. Campbell St, Valparaiso, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 AM. The service will also be livestreamed. Private family graveside services were held at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, ALS Association, or VNA Hospice of NWI.
GUESTBOOK
Dear Marilyn, family and friends of Malcolm, On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Malcolm´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow "Bubblehead" departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Halibut (SSN-587). To our "Brother-of-the-Phin" we say, "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas." Thank you for your service to our country. Marilyn and family... "may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV). -Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret, National Chaplain, USSVI.
Malcolm was my Division Officer on the USS Halibut. I was his leading Chief during his service on Halibut and he was respected by me and the rest of the crew. Some times we ask others a simple queston as noted at the end of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" Was I a good man? I for one can say Malcom you were a good man and a good shipmate. Rest your oar Sailor and God Bless. Paul King EMCS (SS) USN ret. -Paul King
