Robert Herbert Wallace, a devoted and beloved husband and father, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 26, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland, Robert was an adventurous and wise individual whose life was marked by his honesty, hard work, and loyalty.
Robert spent his early years in the Baltimore area. He graduated from Inglewood High School and join the US Air Force in 1952, serving as an aviation mechanic for four years. He later receive a bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering. His career was distinguished by his role as the director of the Gates Planetarium, where he became known as "Mr. Zap" for his Tesla Coil Show and other innovative shows, including Zap and Lazarium. Robert was a pioneer in his field, filing 20 different patent applications and holding four patents.
In February 1956, Robert married his celestial sweetheart, Genalyn Helen Parkos. Together, they raised two children, Robert and Kimberly, in a home filled with love and devotion. He was a thoughtful and generous husband and father who held integrity in the highest regard, instilling these values in his children.
Robert's personal interests were as varied as they were impactful. He traveled the world, both for his work with planetariums and personal exploration of the Middle East. In the 1980s, he developed and sold vintage analog dance club lights, and he had a passion for fast cars, owning a '71 Pantera and a '91 GT 3000 VR4. He also enjoyed u-control model airplanes and was known for spoiling his Persian cats: Precious, Smokey, Fluffy, and Sugar.
His community involvement was extensive; he served as a temple worker at the Denver Temple, volunteered as a dealer for charity poker nights, and was a Cub Scout leader for his son's church group. Robert's legacy is one of faithfulness and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He is survived by his son Robert Wallace (Heidi), daughter Kimberly Bailey, grandchildren: Lisa Wallace, Sarah Wallace (Chel), Stephanie Gagnon, Katie Crosen (Tim), Chelsea Wallace, Rion Wallace, and Kirianna Willis, as well as eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genalyn.
Services to honor Robert's life will be held on February 28, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Strasburg, Colorado. A viewing will take place from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am. A military graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery in Centennial, Colorado.
