John Richard Wallace, age 64, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away in his sleep the morning of August 3, 2020. John was born November 9, 1955, to Lillian (nee Walls) and Roy Wallace in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his father, Roy. John is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Gmeiner, daughters Laura Knowles Wallace (Becca Taute) and Grace Knowles Wallace, mother Lillian Wallace, sister Carol Wallace and brother Jim (Carol) Wallace, former wife Robin Knowles Wallace, a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and Mary Sue’s daughters Beth (Andy Lane) Livensperger and Carolyn (Joe Ceradini) Livensperger. John loved his family deeply, and was deeply loved in return.
John was a lifelong learner, both in and out of school. He earned a BA and PhD in Philosophy from Michigan State University, and an M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Called early in life to the ministry, he served many United Methodist Church congregations throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio before retiring in 2018. His ministry was a reflection of his life. He offered his heart to any community he was a part of, and called forth the best in everyone.
John enthusiastically engaged his students in philosophy as an adjunct instructor at Ohio Dominican University. He shared his passion for mission, for incorporating social justice in ministry, through the Course of Study School of Ohio, and at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
John worked and protested for all kinds of justice: racial justice, economic equality, reproductive justice, rights and dignity for immigrants and LGBTQ people, world peace. From an internship at the King Center while in seminary, to time spent in Costa Rica to learn about liberation theology, to traveling to Nicaragua with Pastors for Peace, John brought his spiritual lens to the pressing problems of the day.
John brought that same passion to sports (he loved the Tigers and Spartans) and was loyal to the state of Michigan. John had a great sense of humor. He didn’t know a stranger, and everyone felt comfortable around John. He maintained loving connections with people - coffee, email, Zoom calls with cousins. He belonged to so many communities over the years and touched so many people's lives. He lived out the vision of the beloved community.
Celebration of Life for John Wallace Live via Zoom:
Aug 8, 2020 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Web Address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86257121260
Meeting ID: 862 5712 1260
Contact [email protected] for questions or support in attending the live Zoom service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Methodist Federation for Social Action, Fund for Immigration Legal Assistance, Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, or Democratic Socialists of America.
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