DeVerne Wallace

In today’s society where everyone wants to stand out and be noticed, DeVerne “Wally” Wallace was a private and unassuming man that avoided the spotlight.

Many people today believe that times are tough, but in 1930 our country was in the depth of the great depression. People were without jobs and many families waited in long lines for sometimes their only meal of the day, a bowl of soup. The country was rampant with despair and many one time wealthy men could only now afford to purchase hope. In the midst of this despondency, Harold and Edna Wallace of Comstock Township brought forth their son, DeVerne, into this world on April 30, 1930.

Wally grew up on his parent’s farm near Scotts. He learned responsibility at a young age by helping feed the chickens, pigs and rabbits. He also attended school in Scotts before leaving and getting a job in the real world while in the 10th grade.

He and Barbara Bullard married in 1950 and together they had 4 children during their 11-year marriage. One Christmas night he accidentally ran his car into Sally Inman’s vehicle and one may say they have “hit it off” ever since. Together they had a son and have been there for each other, for 42 years, through both the good times and the bad. They enjoyed traveling, going up north to the cabin, dancing and laughing. Wally worked for 41 years at Simpson Paper Mill before retiring in 1992. Many people dread getting up going to work to the same job each day, but this was not the case for Wally. He thoroughly enjoyed his job at the mill. He liked the people that he worked with and was willing to work extra to get the job done. He held several positions over the years, but enjoyed driving the fork lift the most and took great pride in his attendance record while working at Simpson.

Wally was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working with small engines. If something stumped him, he would tinker with it until it ran correctly. Many friends, neighbors and relatives would bring their lawnmowers over to have Wally fix them. Whenever he worked on a project, he was fussy on the outcome. He wanted things to be just right. He was always willing to help anyone in need no matter how big or small the project would be.

Another past time that Wally enjoyed was growing cherry tomatoes. He didn’t have a big garden, but he grew them just off his deck so he could get to them easier. He took great pride in his plants and would fuss over them throughout the summer as he watched them grow to maturity. Though he was not particularly fond of them, he grew them anyhow just so he would have the joy to give them to others.

Like many Americans, Wally enjoyed watching television. One of his favorite things to watch on the tube was big time wrestling. The thrill of the crowd and the excitement of the matches kept Wally on the edge of his seat. It got to a point where Monday and Thursday evenings were wrestling and pizza nights at Wally’s house. He also enjoyed watching the races, whether it be on T.V. or at the Galesburg Speedway.

Always keeping his temper in tact, it was truly a rare sight to see Wally show any anger. This spoke volumes on his personality. He also showed his kind and gentle heart by befriending many of the neighborhood children and taking an interest in his grandchildren’s sports and school activities.

Wally died on Saturday, April 19, 2003 at his residence. He follows in death his parents, a sister Phyllis and a brother Harold.

Members of his family include his 5 children: Ricky Wallace of Vicksburg, Vicky Holtz of Kalamazoo, Steve and his wife Pam Wallace of Paw Paw, Suzanne Wallace of Kalamazoo and Richard Inman of Vicksburg. Other members of his family include 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren a brother Howard and wife Emma Jean Wallace of Scotts, and a sister Virginia of Kalamazoo. His good friend, companion and caretaker of 42 years, Sally Inman, also survive him.

Friends my visit with Wally’s family from 3-5 and 6-8pm on Wednesday at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday. He will be buried in the Vicksburg Cemetery. To read Wally’s life story, share a memory, make a donation to Hospice Care of SW Michigan or to order flowers online, please visit his personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com.

“His quiet and gentle nature spoke volumes on his character. His laugh, smile and kind heart will be remembered in the hearts of many for years to come.