Adam Mallette
September 17th, 1988 – June 17th, 2023
Mallette, Adam B., of Columbia, MO passed away on June 17, 2023, at the age of 34. He was the beloved husband of Karri (Birch) Mallette, and father to Mavrik (4 years) and Zoey (2 months). Adam was the cherished son of Kent and Julie (Higginbotham) Mallette, brother and brother-in-law to Emily (Mallette) and Paul Gohdes, son-in-law to Jim and Donna Birch, and brother-in-law to Klay Birch and Allison Borawski. He was a loving uncle to Eleanor and Wesley Gohdes and Gavin Birch. He was dearly loved by his grandparents Jerry and Mona Higginbotham of Webster Groves, MO and Gene and Pat Mallette of Newtown, MO. Adam was an adored nephew of Steve and Lisa (Higginbotham) Sherrill, Neal and Alyson (Biggs) Higginbotham, Kim and Angela Mallette, Denny and Teresa Daum, and Kirk and Marcie Mallette. Adam was close to all thirteen of his cousins.
Adam was born in Independence, MO on September 17, 1988. He lived the first four years of his life in Odessa, MO with his parents, Kent of Newtown, MO and Julie of Webster Groves, MO. In 1991, the Mallette family moved to Webster Groves and welcomed Adam’s sister, Emily the following year. Church, family, and friends were the center of his upbringing. The Mallettes camped twice a year throughout Adam’s youth with the Sherrill, Higginbotham, Davis, and Csolak families. Adam had a passion for sports, was athletic, and loved playing basketball, soccer, and baseball. He had a creative side, as well, enjoying painting, drawing, and creative writing.
After graduating from Webster Groves High School, Adam attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order, where he met life-long friends. He was an active part of campus life, played basketball all four years as a Blue Jay, and was an active alumus.
Adam met the love of his life, Karri Birch, at Westminster, and they married on October 18, 2014. Karri said, “We lived a wonderful love story from beginning to end. We balanced each other in every way. The legacy of our beautiful marriage will aways be alive in my heart.” Adam loved fatherhood and was devoted to his “best bud,” Mavrik, and his beautiful newborn daughter, Zoey. Adam’s family lives in Columbia, MO where he worked for Woodruff, a marketing agency, as a digital ads manager. Prior to that, he worked for Bucket Agency and Westminster College.
In his free time, Adam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved playing and coaching basketball, playing golf, working out and doing yoga, shopping for shoes and clothes, and attending music festivals. Throughout his life, those who knew Adam felt he had a heart of gold, infectious energy and smile, and was a selfless soul with a carefree demeanor. He was kind to all.
Adam suffered a seizure in January 2023, and again in April, which led to an anoxic brain injury. Doctors never determined a cause for the seizures, and he remained in a coma for eight weeks before passing. Adam was an organ donor, and it gives those who knew and loved him peace knowing he’ll continue to positively impact lives in the future.
Adam’s family will honor him by establishing a scholarship for underprivileged individuals to attend Westminster College. There will be a Celebration of Life at The Crossing Church in Columbia, MO on July 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Love you so much, brother. I’m so proud of you. 🤍
One of the best people I’ve ever met
Our love and prayers are with Adam and his beautiful family! It’s been an honor knowing Adam since he was a little boy and seeing what a wonderful life he led! Adam is missed by many but our memories will be forever!
Am so proud and thankful for the man Adam had become and was becoming! I loved how he loved his family and his many friends. I love you, bud, and will see you again soon!
Adam left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, including current and former coworkers. He is terribly missed.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you
Love you so much Adam! You were one of the best humans I have known. So thankful for the many, many memories. Your legacy will live on through your precious babies. Can’t wait to see you again soon. 🤍
So sorry for all of the family. Patty, I know this is a very difficult time. Prayers for all.
We had the honor of being neighbors of the Mallette’s in Webster Groves. Watching Adam and Emily growing up during their early years. It was so lovely to see Adam and Karri and their young family on FB in recent years. He had become a special man just as we knew he would be. Our hearts are breaking upon the news of Adam’s health struggles and passings. We will to keep you all in our prayers.
With much love,
Lynn & Tori
A lot of living for such a young man. I remember Adam being a spiritual person and am sure he’s watching us from the heavens. ❤️
So very sorry and prayer and hugs to all❤️
Very sorry! Never met you but feel like I did. God is watching over your family as you are too. Peace and love I send to you🙏🙏
Very sorry! Never met you but feel like I did. Bless your family, friends and all you have touched. You will always be in their heart. Hugs, kisses and prayers go out them❤️
I am a better person for knowing you, Adam. I will miss our Mondays rides together to basketball, our Friday golf outings and your friendship.
I love you like a brother. Until we meet again buddy. Love you!
Dear Mallette Family esp Karri and her two children , although I never met Adam , I followed his very painful hospitalization as the request for prayers began and prayed for the requested miracle which was not to be however many people that I went to high school with prayed for Adam and his family. May the prayers continue for the peace that passes all understanding for the Mallette family who were close to Adam.
Adam,
Save me a seat behind the home dugout. I’ll join you in God’s time. I look forward to hearing your perspective on baseball and life and everything. We’ll miss you here but we’ll see you There. Love to your family.
Although I never met Adam, I felt like I was introduced to him by his family and friends. As I read the heartfelt comments and the “Why is this happening?” questions, I identified with the struggle and emotions of those who loved him. Here are some verses that have helped me.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart fail: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
So sorry for your loss Kari !
It was a pleasure and a blessing to have met Adam he left a beautiful impression one that will never be forgotten. May you rest in His (God’s) everlasting peace.
Praying for all the family and friends 🙏 ❤️.
So sorry for your loss now, but PTL for our promise ❤️ of eternity together ❤️
He was all about winning but more importantly he was all about the TEAM! One of the best teammates I ever coached and recruited! Westminster College basketball will forever be better because of Adam!
We love you my dude!
Duds
I am so sorry for the loss of such a sweet young man. I knew Adam as a little boy. He stole my heart from the first time I held him. I have enjoyed watching his family grow through Facebook. My heart goes out to Julie, Kent, and Adam’s entire family. I can’t even imagine. Sending prayers and much love to you all.