Malcolm Leon Belote

Malcolm Leon Belote, 85, of Wheeler, passed away on March 17, 2026.

Born on May 9, 1940, in Wheeler, Malcolm spent his life rooted in the land and lifestyle he loved. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and cowboy, known by many for his unmatched skill—there wasn’t a piece of equipment he couldn’t run. He took pride in his work and the life he built with his own two hands. He was also a proud member of the NRA and was actively involved in the Trejano 4-Wheeler Club in the 1980s.

Malcolm had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, riding his side-by-side, and spending time around firearms—especially reloading. It was often said there wasn’t a gun shop within 100 miles that didn’t know his name. In his later years, he found joy in the simple things: meeting friends at the local coffee shop, making regular stops at the nearby gun shop, working puzzles, and winning dominos against anyone willing to sit at the table.

More than anything, Malcolm loved his wife, Karla Joy Belote, whom he married on February 11, 1960. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in July 2013, and he carried her memory with him every day. Malcolm and Karla were lifelong members of the Shamrock Church of Christ, where their faith remained a constant foundation in their lives.

Malcolm is survived by his children: Steve Belote of Amarillo; Tina Stokes and her husband, Berry, of Louisville; Danny Belote and his wife, Aimee, of Amarillo; and Cody Belote and his wife, Courtney, of Amarillo. He is also survived by his grandchildren,

Wesley, Jodi, Ryan, Brandy, Robert, Ashly, Britnee, Hannah, Paige, Coltin, Jazlyn, and Olivia, 24 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter, all of whom brought him pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karla Joy Belote; his mother, Minnie Dee Gibbons; his father, Ernest Belote; his sister, Mary Risner Littlejohn; and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Belote.

Malcolm was a man who spoke his mind and could be stubborn at times, but he also had a generous heart and would be the first to give you the shirt off his back. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at Behind the Chutes Cowboy Church (10424 Snowball Trail, Amarillo, Tx, 79106) on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to stay for a meal and fellowship following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

“He has been welcomed home into the arms of the Lord and reunited with those who went before him.”