"I`m sorry to hear about uncle Johnny. May gods grace strenthen and comfort all of you. My prayers are with you."
In loving memory of
John W. Wallace
December 16, 1931 - January 24, 2009
Upland: John W. Wallace, 77, went to be with his Lord on January 24, 2009 at his home, with his wife of 56 years by his side. He was born April 17, 1931 in Alikana, Ohio to the late John M. and Janet (Pipkin) Wallace. He married Doris Waugh, who survives, on December 16, 1952 in Steubenville, Ohio, when he was a sophomore at Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky. He is survived by his four children, Debra Rice, Upland, Jan (Rob) Reber, Upland, Jonna (Tom) Jordan, Noblesville, and Jeff (Lisa) Wallace, Upland. He leaves 10 grandchildren, Brianna and Jordan Rice, Upland, Audra and Andrea Reber, Upland, Justin, Corey, and Carlie Jordan, Noblesville, Megan, Adrienne, and Brendan Wallace, Upland. A brother, Jerry (Barbara) Wallace, Summerville, S.C., and a sister, Beverly (Paul) Worthington, Richmond, VA. He spent his life in the teaching profession and as a Clinical Social Worker having received his A.B. in Social Studies from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, and an M.A. degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught school in Pensacola, Florida and Wintersville, Ohio prior to joining the Ohio Youth Commission and spent several years serving as Director of Institutions for Pre-delinquent Youth. He also served as parole officer and police officer. He joined the Taylor University faculty in 1977. While there, he was active in Grant County organizations through various areas of social work including gerontology, child abuse prevention and social administration. He also served as Director of Elderhostel for the State of Indiana and was an active member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, the Indiana Association of Social Work Educators, and the Indiana chapter of the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. In 1994 he was awarded the honor of "Indiana Social Worker of the Year" for Region 6. He retired in 1996 from Taylor University and subsequently served ten years as part-time Chaplain at the United Methodist Memorial Home in Warren, IN. In the past, he also served as pastor for Antioch United Methodist Church, Jalapa United Methodist Church and more recently, the Asbury Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Upland United Methodist Church for 32 years. He was always an avid sports fan, supporting Taylor University, Eastbrook High School, Ohio State University, and football, in general. He loved to travel Amtrak cross-country. Next to his Lord and Savior, his family was the love of his life. The body will be cremated. A memorial and celebration service is planned for Saturday, January 31, 10:30 a.m. at the Upland United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rob Neel. Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Upland United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 11, Upland, or to the Wallace Family Social Work Scholarship at Taylor University 239 W. Reade Ave. Upland, IN 46989.
Tributes
"Dear Wallace family, I am very saddened to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Melissa"
"John was such a great asset and friend during his chaplaincy at the United Methodist Home. My office was next to his, I got to know him, it was a joy!!! My deepest regards to your family. Denise Sneed,RN"
"To the Wallace family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's peace rest upon you in the days to come."
"THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE WRITTEN. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. A HUGE HOLE HAS BEEN LEFT IN MY FAMILY BUT BY GOD'S GRACE AND WITH HIS MERCY WE HAVE SOMEHOW MADE IT THROUGH THIS WEEK AND ARE FOCUSED ON GETTING THROUGH TOMORROW'S SERVICE. WE CONTINUE TO COVET YOUR PRAYERS AS THE DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS AHEAD ARE GOING TO BE ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT AS WE TRY TO GO ON LIVING WITHOUT HIM.HE WAS TRULY ONE-OF-A KIND. NO MAN LOVED HIS WIFE, CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN MORE. HIS HEART WAS BIGGER THAN ALL OUTDOORS.HE TOUCHED HUNDREDS OF LIVES WHILE HE WAS WITH US AND THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF HIM. MY DADDY WAS MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR,MY SUPERMAN AND MY TEDDYBEAR. HE WAS MY GLIMPSE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. I CAN'T BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW LARGE THE HOLE HE LEAVES."
"Dear Wallace Family, Our prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. John was a wonderful professor and encourager. He walked with me during the loss of my brother while I was a social work student at Taylor years ago. His life was a light to so many and a true example of Christs love. Praying for Gods comfort for your entire family. In Christ Lisa Campbell"
"Jeff and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"I was sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Wallace. While I was enrolled at Taylor U. I was privileged to have Professor Wallace for a sociology class. He was very interesting, engaging, and made me think about changing my major to Sociology. His love for us students and desire to help us learn shined through him. He was such a father figure and just being in his presence made you feel secure. I know it has been a while since we've spoken but Deb, Jordan, and Brianna, Jodie and I are praying for you guys and hope you find comfort in your family, friends, and faith throughout this time. Jeremy, Jodie, Caroline, and Levi Flynn"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you guys!"
"Dear Doris and family, Just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. When I moved to Indiana in 1986 and took at position as a social work educator one of the first persons I met through the Indiana Association for Social Work Education was John. He became a mentor, friend, and eventually a colleague at Taylor U. John cared deeply about the lives of his co-workers, students, and anyone else with whom he had a relationship. His loyalty, sincere faith, and encouraging spirit were important in my life and I am grateful our lives intersected for so many years. May you be comforted by the great legacy he left through his faithful service upon this earth. Caring for you, Twyla Lee Director of Social Work Education Huntington University (TU-1993-2004)"
"I only knew John for less than one year at Taylor ~ he was the cheerleading advisor the year I attend and cheered for Taylor 1988-1989 ~ but he made a great impression on my time there! I am saddened to hear of your loss and will be praying for God's comfort and guidance through this sad time!"
"I am so sorry to hear about Professor Wallace's death. He was one of my professors at Taylor (I graduated in 1987 in Social Work) and I thought very highly of him. I remember that he always seemed to be positive, upbeat, and affirming with those whom he had contact. I'm sad to know he is no longer on this earth, but I look forward to seeing him again in heaven. My deepest sympathies to his family. Sincerely, Cully (Powell) Watson"
"John was my professor,friend and college mentor. Although we had lost touch over the past years, I valued the time I spent with him and was reminded regularly of his spirit,energy,smile,and love for God. I will pray for the void his loved ones will be experiencing over the days, weeks, months and years to come but will remember John with great joy , pleasure and love. I thank God for John who walked the talk , finished the race and is now enjoying the fruit of his labor with his Heavenly Father. May I be remembered as such a man...with Love,respect,and appreciation!!! Herb Frye"
"My condolences to your family. John was one of my Social Work advisors at Taylor '84. He was wise, compassionate and full of grace. I remember him as a Godly man who was always able always speak the truth in love. Praise God for the difference he made in my life and the lives of many others."
"Dear Doris and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoicing with you that John is now in the presence of our Lord. I trust that knowledge is comforting to all of you and sustains you at it has me. John had a significant impact on Willie's life. He provided direction and counsel as Willie chose his own career in Social Work. I know his teaching and advice were appreciated and his character emulated as Willie followed in his steps. I will always treasure the times we shared when both John and Willie were teaching at Taylor. That was a very special time. One piece of His peace, Betty"
"I just wanted to take a second and send my condolences. I was very sad to hear about Uncle John. I hope everybody is doing well. You all are in my prayers. Love to all."
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John Wallace and will pray for your family in the difficult days ahead. John was the reason I went to Taylor and was a social work major. I remember being a high school Junior and sitting down with John to discuss social work as a profession. What a huge impact he had on my life--my career, my walk with God, my personal growth and so much more. He will be missed! Also--my old college roommate, Nikki Corcoran was Briana's big sister! I hadn't realized at the time that Briana was John's granddaughter. She was such a sweet girl and spent a lot of time hanging out with Nikki and I. I imagine Briana is no longer the little girl that I remember, but I hope she is doing well!!"
"Doris, Jeff, Jonna, Jan and Deb - My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"John was a great mentor and friend to me, and I find myself still repeating to my students some of the advice he gave me. He always had a kind word and a wonderful smile."
"Dear Aunt Doris and family, I am so sad that I can't be there with you all. I have such beautiful memories of coming to stay with you in the summers. Uncle John's incredible smile and loving spirit will forever be in my heart. My thought and prayers are with you always. Love you all, Nancy"
"Know that we are praying for all of you. May you feel God's presence now and throughout the days ahead, and may you find comfort in the sweet memories."
"I am so sorry for your loss. As a social work major at Taylor, Prof. Wallace was so instrumental in helping me find a social work career, but most importantly, he helped shape who I was as a student and woman of God. I got to see John after graduation when he would bring groups through Caylor-Nickel Hospital. He will be missed and I will look forward to spending time with him in heaven!"
"My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you. John was an incredible person."
"Dear Wallace Family, I am so sorry to hear of you loss. I remember your Dad as Jeff and me played baseball in Pony League. He was always there and always had a pleasant word. He was so nice to me. The World lost a good man, Peace Be With You. Dewey L. Miller"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I enjoyed seeing John at Heritage Point when I visited my mother, also our time at Taylor and getting to know him. He was a great person and I know he is in a better place. Praise God!"
"Dear Wallace family, I have so many fond memories of John and your family while at Taylor as both a student and employee of the DC. You could always count on a hug and smile when John came through the line no matter what. My prayers are with you all as you grieve this great man of God."
"Jeff and Family, so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Jenny Boggs O'Connor"
"I can never thank Prof. Wallace enough for his kindness, love for me, guidance through my life and through my acedemic time at Taylor and for his support of me personally. He believed in me when I did not. He spent time encouraging me and praying with me. He is my mentor, teacher and friend. He leaves behind a family that I love and consider my family also. I pray for the Wallace family but celebrate that John is with our Savior! Thank you John for everything you did for me and for all that were honored to know you!"
"Dear Doris and family,I was so sorry to read of John's passing.When the Lord calls our loved ones home,He leaves the treasured gifts of love and memories.You are in my prayers.Love,Marsha"
"Dear Doris, Deb, Jonna, Jan, & Jeff, We are so sorry for your loss. You have been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers as you go thru the days and weeks ahead. We know John will be greatly missed by many! Your friends, Barb & David Hess"
"Doris and Family, I grieve with you over your lost but I know John is celebrating in the glory of God. I enjoyed working with John in the adult continuing education here at Taylor. I know John believed in this program and hated to see it cut. He talked often about his family and you could hear his love and respect in his voice. May you feel God's loving hand upon you and feel His mighty strength over the coming days."
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Todd works at Heritage Place (formerly known as United Methodist Memorial Home) and had many conversations with Mr. Wallace about sports and Taylor University. He had great respect for him."
"We mourn with you in the loss of your father. He was truly a remarkable man and, oh, how he loved his family. May you feel our Heavenly Father's love as you travel this difficult road during the weeks ahead."
"Doris and family, We grieve with over this huge loss, but also celebrate with you that John is no longer suffering and has received his reward in heaven. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you make this transition. May God Himself carry you during these difficult days."
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness."
"You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband,father, grandfather."