Mahlon Richard Tolleson went to be with his Heavenly Father on Father's Day, June 20, 2021. He was born on April 24, 1937, in Bernalillo, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lecee (Hodges) Tolleson and his brothers, Freeman and Harlon Tolleson.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia Grissom Tolleson, widowed daughter, Mahlona Tolleson Bowdon of Malvern, son Richard Tolleson (Natasha) of Temple, Texas. His three grandchildren, Alexandra Tolleson LaMotte (Bradlee), Spencer Tolleson (Macon), and Emma Tolleson. He had two great granddaughters, Charlotte and Penelope LaMotte.

Mahlon graduated from Malvern High School in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia. He was a very active member of First Assembly of God Church in Malvern for many years. He served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Superintendent, helping with a large bus ministry, for 29 years. He then became a part of Liberty Chapel, serving as an Elder and working with the Children's ministry. He played the bass guitar for worship every service.

Until Mahlona left for college, the family was known as The Singing Tollesons, traveling with Sylvia and Mahlona singing, Mahlon on guitar and Richard on drums. Brother-in-law Jack Digby also played guitar with the group. They sang in many churches and auditoriums across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Mahlon was in the engine restoration business all his life. He worked at Grissom Engine with his father-in-law, Harold Grissom, for many years until he bought the business when Harold retired.

Mahlon Tolleson spent his life loving and serving God, his family and his friends. His family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Thursday, June 24 from 6 pm to 8 pm. The celebration of Mahlon's homegoing will be held at 10:00 on Friday morning, June 25, at Liberty Chapel, 414 Rockport Street in Malvern, officiated by Pastor Jerry Garrett. Graveside service will follow at Harp Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Jackie Digby, Jody Digby, Aaron Thornton, Blake Tolleson, Cody Tolleson, Craig Tolleson, and Spencer Tolleson.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Jack Digby, Gerald Bunn, Darrin Bunn and the Men of Liberty Chapel.

Memorials are requested to Liberty Chapel.