William R. "Bill" Wallace

William R. Wallace (Bill)

May 5, 1920 – December 6, 2014

Born May 5, 1920 in Montrose to J.A. And Mayme Wallace.  After attending local schools, Bill pursued his interest in Horticulture at Kansas State University and the University of Illinois. He also attended Western State College in Gunnison, where he met his wife Donna Mae Kansgen.  He abandoned his college career to join the Army Air Corp. and participate in WW11.

Bill learned to fly in the Air Corp. and it became one of his lifetime passions.  He owned three airplanes and was a founder of the Civil Air Patrol in Montrose.  He  participated in many searches, activities, and events.  He was stationed in Tucson, AZ and San Marcos, Texas where he and Donna Mae were married.  They were married for 54 years.   Bill also played the French Horn in the Air Corp. marching band.

After the war, Bill and his wife owned and operated the Wallace Greenhouse in Montrose for over thirty years.  He also ran sheep on the Little Cimarron and grew beer barley on North Mesa and in the Norwood area.  Bill also had several hundred hives of bees and produced excellent honey.  After selling the greenhouse in 1968, Bill owned and operated several real estate companies in Montrose with his son, Terry.

Preceding Bill in death include his wife Donna Mae, brother Paul A. Wallace, sister Maxine Green, grandsons Andy and Tim.  Survivors are his son Terry and wife Becky of Delta, CO., nephew Ralph Wallace of Cedaredge and Phoenix, AZ,  niece Gayle Clawson of Phoenix, niece Katherine Day of Grand Junction, CO., and nephew Robert Green of San Antonio, Texas and nephew Wayne Kansgen of Longmont, CO.

Bill was a funny guy with a keen wit and a great sense of humor.  He had many friends and was a friend to all he met.

Please send condolences in care of Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose or the family home at 240 King Street in Delta, CO 81416.  There will be no services at Bill’s request.  Arrangements were under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado