(update) COL J. CLAUD WALLACE To TAPS
2538, 10 May 2019
COL J. CLAUD WALLACE passed away peacefully on 1 May 2019
A Service of Memory and Celebration of his life will be held for Claud Wallace, 89, of Kilgore, at the First Christian Church of Kilgore on Friday, May 10, 2019, at 11 a.m. under the direction of Rader Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Danville Cemetery. Claud completed his earthly journey surrounded by his family at his home on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
Claud was born on August 19, 1929, in Van Buren, AR, to John Claud and Alta Mae Wallace. He graduated from Van Buren High School, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and later a master’s degree from Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Claud honorably served his country in the US Army, obtaining the rank of Colonel and retiring after 30 years. During his service he graduated from the US Army War College, received the Bronze Star and two Legion of Merit awards for his service. Claud was a faithful long-time member of First Christian Church in Kilgore where he served as an Elder and held various other positions within the congregation. Being very active in the community, Claud was a docent at the East Texas Oil Museum, member of the Kilgore Historical Society, Shakespeare Guild, and Kilgore Community Concerts, and was honored as Citizen of the Year for 2000. He also was a member of the Rotary Club and recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Claud was the flag master of the Rotary Club and expanded the Rotary Club Flag Program. In addition he was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. When Claud was not busy with his church or community activities, he enjoyed stamp collecting, photography and being a mentor to others. Also, while serving in Germany Claud enjoyed Volksmarching and he logged over 2000 miles. The greatest joy of his life was being with his family. He received great strength and happiness from being with them. Claud will be greatly missed by all those whose lives were touched by him.
Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Virginia Wallace of Kilgore; children, COL (ret) Roy Wallace and his wife Leslie of Burke, VA, Carol Westbrook and her husband Ben of Frisco, TX; grandchildren, Lauren Wallace, Bryan Wallace and his wife Jackie, Tyler Wallace, Benjamin Westbrook; siblings, Rev. Paul Wallace and his wife Suzianne of Tulsa, OK and Sabra Howard of Henderson, TX. Also left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, church family, friends and other loving family members.
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Member Comments on This Bulletin
5/7/2019 10:06:49 AM LTC Richard E. Darcy
My daughter, Erin, and I send our deepest sympathy to Claud's family. I worked with him when he edited the RAFINO report and he encouraged me to write about various military experiences which he posted. Erin was his on-line transcriber and they got along famously. Rest in Peace. Dick and Erin Darcy
5/6/2019 8:03:27 AM CSM Larry J. Elsom
Karen and I extend our most sincere condolences to the Wallace Family. RIP sir.
Larry Elsom
5/6/2019 7:16:58 AM LTC RICHARD R ROBSON, Sr
From Kevin Troller:
"COL J. Claud Wallace was a true Army and Finance Corps legend."
5/4/2019 11:19:05 AM LTC RICHARD R ROBSON, Sr
From Roger Edgington:
The family called me early this morning to tell me of his death. I was his best friend and he was my best friend. They came to visit us here in AZ and we had been to their home in Texas' When we were both stationed in Washington , we played bridge with them virtually every Saturday night for over three years. We also were together at CGSC at Leavenworth, 1966-1967.
We used to celebrate our Birthdays together in August. We were 4 days apart, and I was a year older than Claud.
I hope RAFINCO will send flowers (ed: RAFINO is sending flowers). Did you receive the phone number and address of the Florist there in their town? If not I have it. We will be sending flowers, but we can't travel to the funeral as Val is not in good shape.
It is like losing a family member. I was almost in tears when they called.
It is tough to get old and see all of your friends passing on. I have already told my other best friend, Curtis Lee of his death.
Thanks Roger
5/3/2019 2:08:17 PM COL David W. Mikkelson
J. Claud was a friend and mentor, a wise and thoughtful soldier always seeking the best for others. When I was the DOD Finance Officer in Tehran, Iran during the turbulent times of the revolution (1978-79), as the Staff F&AO in USAREUR, he 'had my back' in several unique and unusual situations. His post-Army retirement service to RAFINO for so many years was the linch-pin that kept RAFINO alive and growing. May God's peace and comfort rest upon his family.
5/3/2019 12:35:33 PM LTC RICHARD R ROBSON, Sr
A true officer and gentleman and a dear friend has passed. We were all better because of J Claud. I will really miss him. My sincerest condoolences to Virginia, and Roy and Carol