David W. “Smiley” Wallace Jr., age 93, of Overland Park, KS died Thursday, October 2, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center.
Mr. Wallace was born in Joplin, MO and He graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS with a Master’s degree in 1963. He was Principal and taught school in Columbus, KS, Joplin and Asbury in Missouri, before moving to Shawnee Mission in 1965. He taught at Prairie Elementary School for 42 years. Mr. Wallace was a Navy Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He is listed as Who’s Who in American Teachers. He was a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society and the International Ragtime Society. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association. He was a paint contractor as well as a teacher.
Mr. Wallace was preceded in death by his wife, of 52 years, Helen; daughter, Anne Sorensen and brother, Sam.
Survivors include his daughter, Melissa (Eric) Nelson, Tucson, AZ; sister, Suzanne Dunphy, Westland, MI; four nephews and six nieces.
