Colonel Joel D. Wallis, retired, was born April 4, 1928 in Pottawatomie County, OK to Robert Clark Wallis and Lydia Baize Wallis. He was the last surviving child of their family of six children: brother, Joe L. Wallis; sisters, Vallie Hammon, Lena Patak, Linnis Jackson and Lillis “Boots” Casteel.
He graduated in 1946 from Dale Oklahoma High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University for one year before transferring to Oklahoma A& M College, now known as Oklahoma State University (OSU). While at OSU he joined the Army R. O. T. C. program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Upon completion of the Officers Basic Training Course at Fort Benning, GA he was assigned to Camp Roberts, California where he served as a platoon leader and was promoted to a basic training Company Commander. He served in the Korean war in the 24th Infantry Division. After returning from Korea he served 34 years in the Army Reserve and Civil Service retiring as a Colonel in 1988.
After retirement Joel and Shirley built their country home on 15 acres near Van Buren, doing most of the work on their home themselves. He built a large beautiful pond on the land, stocked it with a variety of fish, where he enjoyed his favorite hobby of fishing. In 1980 they began traveling to Europe, Asia, Mexico and the world.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Wallis; son, Michael Wallis; and step son, Ross Kennedy. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Ruttman and Sharon Wallis-Baker; their husbands Steven Ruttman and Jon Baker of Colorado; his son, David Wallis and wife Sue Wallis of Arkansas; grandchildren, Ashly Chow and husband Eric Chow, Jennifer Horner and husband Mark Horner, Chase Ruttman, Carl Wallis, Leigh Wallis and wife Dannika Wallis; step grandchildren, Jared Baker and Nathan Baker; great grandchildren, Kaylee Chow, Mason Chow, Zoe Chow, Ali Trevizo, Liam Trevizo, Bentley Baker and Charlie Baker; step daughter, Patricia Kennedy; and step granddaughter, Jasmine Kennedy of Arkansas.
He was a member of the Reserve Officer’s Association, the American Legion, and a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church since 1988.
Graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the Fort Smith Arkansas National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Luke Lutheran Church building fund, 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
