Howard Neale Wallace

Howard Neale Wallace, 88 of Walnut, died Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton.

Neale was born on April 13, 1933 at the Wallace family farm in Walnut, the son of Howard and Edith (Becknell) Wallace. He married Rita Hardersen on June 14, 1953 at the First Christian Church in Walnut.

Neale graduated as valedictorian from Walnut High School, Class of 1951. He then graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois in 1955 where he was a member of the Farm House fraternity. He had farmed for many years of his life and also worked as a maintenance man at the Walnut High School and the Bureau Valley School District for 25 years, retiring in 2009. He was a member and former past president of the Walnut High School Board and was a Cub Scout leader for many years. Neale was an active member of the Walnut First Christian Church, where he held many positions. He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, puzzles, watching the birds, his roses, genealogy and collecting arrowheads.

Survivors include, his wife of 67 years, Rita Wallace of Walnut; four children, Terry (Diana) Wallace of Burlington, IA, Tim (Teri Leigh) Wallace of Sterling, Kathy (Jeff) Adams of Walnut, and Greg (Joyce) Wallace of Walnut; fourteen grandchildren, Katie Phillips, Eric (Courtney) Wallace, Corey (Julie) Gerdes, Joe Gerdes, Jason (Karen) Gerdes, Ken Gerdes, Josh (Rae Ann) Wallace, Russel Austin, Jonathan Austin, Jammie (Phil) Peneflor, Joe (Amber) Adams, Jenny (Josh) Ackerman, Zachary Wallace and Izabel Wallace; nineteen great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Edith Wallace, three sisters, Edna Allen, Lois Fordham and Iletta Kitterman; four brothers, Loyal Wallace, Franklin Wallace, Harold Wallace and Marvin Wallace; one granddaughter, Erica Adams; and two great granddaughters, Anastasia Austin and Pailee Hood.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 with Pastor Michael Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the Walnut First Christian Church. Cards for the family may be sent to Rita at 205 Stephens Avenue, Walnut, IL 61376.

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