Donald Gene Wallace

Donald Gene Wallace, 77 of Waco, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. A Memorial Service will be 1:00pm Thursday, May 9 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A visitation with the family will follow.

Don was born March 6, 1942, in Waco, Texas to Robert Lewis and Imalene Neal Wallace. The family lived on a farm in the South Bosque area until Robert was drafted into World War II, at which point Imalene, Donny and older brother Bobby moved to the city. Donny attended Gurley Elementary School until the family purchased a farm on the Old Marlin Road, where they not only hunted and fished but worked the family farm. Donny continued his education at La Vega High School, where he met the love of his life, Sandra Walthall. Donny graduated from La Vega High School in 1960, where he was a football and baseball player. In 1962, he made his sweetheart his bride. In 1967, after receiving a draft notice from the Army, Donny joined the Navy and proudly served our country for four years. Upon return from Guam, he purchased his own farm in Axtell, where he and Sandra began their family. Shortly thereafter, Donny and Sandra moved their growing family to DeSoto. Donald and Sandra have called many states their home, including New Mexico, Florida, and Texas.

Don was a gifted salesman, selling heavy trucks all over the world, for Bird Kultgen in Waco, and Metro Truck Sales in Dallas. An avid collector in retirement, he had many collections, including guns, knives, and coins. Donny also enjoyed making hand -crafted “holding” crosses out of exotic woods. He loved to donate them to Hospice, where he volunteered, and to any friend who was in need. Donny was known for his wit and humor and was always able to put a smile on the faces of his family, his friends and everyone he met.

Preceded in death by son, Shawn Wallace.

Left to cherish his memory, are his beloved wife of 57 years, Sandra; Daughter Wendy Wallace and Husband David Tetens of New York; Brother Bob Wallace and Wife Nena; Grandchildren , Hunter Wallace, Vera Tetens, and Bruno Tetens; Niece, Kristina Guerra; Nephew , Andrew Wallace; Great Niece, Scarlett Woodruff; and Great Nephew, Cole Woodruff.

Donald loved his church and church family, and would request that in lieu of flowers; please send donations to Faith Temple Baptist Church, 1197 Old Lorena Road, Lorena, Texas 76655.