Jack Fields Wallace of Beaumont—beloved husband, father, and grandfather—died peacefully on May 5, 2005 at the ripe old age of 91, just three days past his birthday. He was born May 2, 1914 in Bastrop, Texas.
As a young man, he reluctantly relinquished a football scholarship to Texas A&M University because he had to work; he was later named an “Honorary Texas Aggie” by the University. Jack spent most of his working life in the oil business—first in the fields of East Texas and then as a refinery foreman for Dow Chemical (he was a member of Pipefitters’ Union Local 195).
He retired at 72 and spent the rest of his days cultivating his vegetable garden, watching the myriad of birds that frequented the feeders he tended, and enjoying his family. Jack never met a stranger—he just handed you a box of his homegrown tomatoes and you were instantly connected. A quiet man with a quick smile and devilish sense of humor, he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Helen Farris Wallace; his son, James Wallace and wife Jane; grandson, Jason Wallace and wife Hallie; granddaughter, Michelle DeCrane and husband Barry; and a number of friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to long-time friend Joe Giardina and caregivers Jackie Cross, Marilyn “Cissy” Wall, and Sheila Robertson who all lovingly helped care for Jack.
Funeral service will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at First United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 2:00 P.M. until time of service at the church.
