Claud Wallace

J. CLAUD WALLACE JR.

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.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 until 8.

The family requests that memorials be made in Claud's name to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 609 E. Main St., Kilgore, TX, 75662.


Please leave online condolences at www.raderfuneralhome.com