Born in West Frankfort, Illinois in 1940 to a Free Will Baptist pastor, Tom Malone grew up in a family faithful to God. At age nineteen, Tom answered the call to preach in his home church of Bethel Free Will Baptist in South Roxana, Illinois. In 1963, he graduated from Free Will Baptist Bible College (now Welch College) in Nashville, TN.

Bro. Tom served as pastor of New Hope from 2010-2013. He now serves as Pastor Emeritus, helping with visits and filling the pulpit when needed.

He and his wife Verna have five daughters-Carol, Marianne, Kristen, Aimee and Tommi JoAnn- who are all very active in the churches they attend. Verna went to be with Jesus in 2023.