Edward Frank Malner Jr., 80, passed away on November 2, 2026, in Meridian, Mississippi.

Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, in August 1946, Edward spent his earliest years building deep roots in the town he first called home, DeKalb, MS. He played football and basketball at Mississippi State University and he and Diane Sartin married each other while attending MSU. Known affectionately as Ed, he was a dedicated family man and a hard worker whose career took him and his beloved family across the Southeast. Together, they lived and worked in Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, and the children found them after every move, which may have led to trying another move. They made lifelong friends and left a lasting impact in every community they touched. Ed and Diane eventually returned to Mississippi, residing in Meridian where he and Diane have made their life for the last 29 years.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Diane S. Malner; his sons, Charles Edward Malner (Shannon), John Andrew Malner; and his daughters Melanie Carol Davis (Van), and Jennifer Malner Dorris (Jay). He was the proud grandfather of Sean Patrick McCullouch, Kellen Cole McCullouch, AD Dorris, Jalin Dorris, and Gabby Malner. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edwin Frank Malner Sr. and Elizabeth Molpus Malner.

A celebration of Edward’s life will be held in December with notification of arrangements to be provided at a later date.