OKLAHOMA CITY Marion Leroy Wallace Jr. went to heaven on April 7, 2020. He was born on July 21, 1937 in Coldwater, Kansas, to Marion Leroy Wallace Sr. and Anna Pauline Schrock. He was the middle child of three, having a brother, Larry Duane and a sister, Bonnie Irene. He attended Central high school and Central State University. On August 17, 1956 he married the woman of his dreams, Floy “Bumba” Dean Mann. For 55 years they grew a life that included two children, Bonita Jean and Deana Lynne. Leroy worked for Tinker Air Force base for 34 years as a Planning Engineer until he retired in October of 1997. He was in the Army Reserves, the Army National Guard and was also a part of the Tinker Flying High Band. While in the Army he was awarded the Army Reserve Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, a National Defense Service medal, the Humanitarian Service medal, the Armed Forces Reserve medal, a NCO Professional Development, an Army Service ribbon, a Meritorious Unit commendation, an Oklahoma Long Service ribbon and the Oklahoma Good Conduct ribbon. Leroy, or “Popo” to some, was a trumpet player, veteran, gardener, avid reader and sports watcher. He loved football, softball, basketball, bowling and tennis and could talk sports with anyone. He himself was active, participating in softball and volleyball leagues when he was younger and running daily. Popo enjoyed square dancing, working out, water skiing, and camping, spending time with his family, including family reunions. He also met regularly with his high school class reunion school mates. Throughout his life he was able to go on some amazing vacations to Ireland and the Bahamas. Popo was a man that never stayed still very long. He was a Sunday school teacher, sung in the choir, an elder, and one of the pillars of his church. Leroy had been serving in his church faithfully for what was estimated as 40+ years. How ironic that his church was scheduled to close its doors this very month. His family was concerned for him that the church closing would be hard on him but he was a man of God and loved the Lord and was a faithful servant. So many people knew and loved him. For his grandchildren he was always a stable and encouraging figure in their lives. Every graduation, school event, birthday party... he was there to cheer them on. He took so much joy in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even this year, when walking wasn’t the easiest because of his knee issues, he came to his great grand-daughter, Rebekah’s, second grade play and loved it. Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his brother Larry Wallace. His memory will continue to live through his daughters, Bonita and husband Gary Heinken, Deana and husband Thomas Wright, sister Bonnie, sister in law Dianne Wallace, grandchildren, Joshua Heinken, Eli Hutchinson, Joy Martin, Cassandra and Clifton Grate, and Julia and David Massie, as well as 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. God called him home to be with his beloved wife, Floy Dean (Bumba), who was called home in 2012. What a joyous reunion that was! Prayers for the family are appreciated. Memorial services to celebrate and remember his life will come at a later date.
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