James Eldon Wallace

James “Eldon” Wallace, affectionately known as “PaPa,” “Unc,” and “Old Unc,” of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Ski Island. He was born April 15, 1926, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to James Dolphus Wallace and Bessie Jane (Burns) Wallace. At age 10, he and his family moved to Oklahoma City, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Eldon was a self-made man who believed in hard work, perseverance, and keeping his word. He humorously mentioned that he majored in the “School of Hard Knocks” and minored in “Trial and Error,” he built a successful career through determination and street smarts. Beginning with a paper route, he went on to establish the Eldon Wallace Insurance Agency, which he operated successfully for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the Million-Dollar Round Table, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and the Oriental Band, and served as a Mason and Shriner.

On July 16, 1971, Eldon married Gwendolyn Gayle Cave. He treasured his wife and family, took great pride in his homes, and enjoyed visiting relatives in Wewoka, Shawnee, McAlester, and Texas. Some of his favorite moments included watching church on Sundays with Gwen, Saturday morning breakfast with the boys, Sunday drives, and working on projects. He also enjoyed music ranging from Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and big band favorites.

Known for his playful spirit, Eldon loved to tease, be silly, and make people laugh. He believed in doing every task well, being a man of his word, and loving others wholeheartedly. His humor, compassion, strong work ethic, and devotion to family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Gayle Wallace of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his children, Lara Baxter and her husband, Wesley, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gary Wallace and his wife, Patty, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Stephanie Simdars and Skip Wallace; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Lindsay, Jacob, and Matthew Baxter, Layne Johnson, Marissa Benz, and Logan McGuffree; and his great-great-grandchild, Willow Benz. He is also survived by four nieces, two nephews, and his brother-in-law, Sam McBurnett of Aubrey, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his children, Paula DeGiusti and Stephan Wallace; his brother, Vyron Wallace; his sisters, Wanda Jean McBurnett and Nadine Glenn; and his brother-in-law, Ed Glenn.

The family extends special gratitude to Jacob, Lindsay, and Tyler Baxter, along with Complete Home Health, for the care and support they provided.

Eldon leaves behind a legacy of hard work, honesty, humor, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will live on for generations to come.