News Summary
Austin is grieving the loss of Eddie Joe Malish, an esteemed educator and landscape innovator who passed away surrounded by loved ones. Known for his humor and commitment to family, Eddie’s impact on the community and dedication to innovative landscaping techniques were notable. His legacy will continue through many who knew him, as well as his significant contributions to local schools and organizations. A celebration of his life is planned for May 31, honoring his memory and community service.
Austin is mourning the loss of beloved educator and landscape innovator Eddie Joe Malish, who passed away on May 9, 2025. Known for his distinct sense of humor and dedication to family, Eddie’s legacy stretches across the community where he made significant contributions and developed lasting relationships.
Eddie was born on December 21, 1958, at St. David’s Community Hospital and spent most of his life in Austin, specifically on Brentwood Street, where his family has lived for 66 years. His passing came while he was listening to live music, surrounded by friends and family, marking a poignant end to his battle with kidney disease that began in December 2021 and required four years of dialysis.
He graduated from McCallum High School in 1977, where he showcased his diverse talents as a member of the school band, participated in UIL Number Sense, and was on the swim team, excelling in the breaststroke. After high school, Eddie pursued his passion for landscaping and graduated from Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco in 1981 with an associate degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Floriculture.
In 1983, Eddie founded Malish Landscape, where he worked diligently for over 35 years. Known for his innovative approaches in native and drought-tolerant landscaping, Eddie adapted to increasing water restrictions while establishing strong bonds with his clients, many of whom he considered family. His dedication to his profession was paralleled by his commitment to community service, volunteering extensively at Davis Elementary School to enhance its landscaping efforts, earning the school’s Giving Tree Award for his family’s contributions.
A family man at heart, Eddie met his wife, Barbara Anz, during their shared coursework at TSTI, and the couple married on November 15, 1981. They welcomed two children, son Mark Evan in 1989 and daughter Emily Anne in 1993. Eddie took immense pride in supporting his children’s activities, from choir concerts to dance recitals, and also mentored numerous Eagle Scout landscaping projects.
Outside of work and family, Eddie enjoyed various outdoor activities, including grilling, fishing, and watching sports, especially University of Texas football and NASCAR. His playful spirit and contagious laughter made him well-loved among friends and family, and he actively participated in his local churches, including St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and Grace Covenant Bible Church, where he was involved in Sunday School and served as an usher.
Eddie is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and extended family members who will carry on his legacy of hard work and generosity. A celebration of life event is set for May 31, 2025, at The Chapel at LifeFamily Austin, which will include visitation prior to the service.
In honor of Eddie’s dedication to the community, memorial donations can be made to the Central Texas Food Bank or the Austin Disaster Relief Network, reflecting his values of support and service to others.
The profound impact Eddie Joe Malish had on his community as an educator and landscape innovator will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Plano Welcomes NTxBio’s New Biomanufacturing Facility
New Legislation Boosts Business Landscape in Texas
SXSW Festival Celebrates Arts and Technology in Austin
The Monitor in Texas Plans Name Change and Expansion
Dallas: Capital Hub for the Great Transfer of Wealth
McAllen to Host the MXLAN International Economic Summit
Amanda Rockman Nominated for Pastry Chef of the Year
Celebrity Chef Roy Choi Launches New Cookbook in Austin
Texas Maintains Top Business Climate in the U.S.
SXSW 2025 Showcases Film Premieres and Culinary Innovations in Austin
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Eddie Joe Malish
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Statesman: Paco Obituary
- Google Search: Eddie Joe Malish
- Legacy: Eugene Malish Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Landscaping
- Dignity Memorial: Sylvia Malish
- Google News: Landscape Innovator
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
