Don’s life was one of quiet strength, steadfast faith, and service in every form it could take. He served his country through his time in the Air Force and Aerospace. He served his community through decades of devotion to the Boy Scouts of America, earning the distinguished Silver Beaver Award, and in his nearly 30 years of working as the Supervisor of Laboratories of the Mechanical Engineering Department at BYU. He served his faith alongside Joan on three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Perth, Australia; Toronto, Canada; and Provo-Orem, Utah. Don also served in many church callings including bishoprics and high councils, although he confidently declared that the best calling in the church was serving in the nursery.

Above all, he served his family with tireless love, humor, support, and attendance at concerts, competitions, award ceremonies, camping trips, graduations, weddings, and every milestone in between. Don had a gift for “collecting people” into his tribe, and many who shared no blood relation call him “Grandpa” with pride. Even well into his 80s, he could be found shoveling snow from the walks of the “old” people in his neighborhood–ever the helper, never the idle observer. Don’s legacy of service, humor, faith, and love will continue to bless generations to come. He will be deeply and dearly missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan, and their six children: Ken Wallace (Joy), Dawn Jones (Gary), Eve Nelson, Allen Wallace (Carrie), Jeff Wallace (Wendy), and Jay Wallace (Lara); 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, a grandchild, and a great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humanitarian fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Friends and family may visit Friday, October 10, 6 – 8 pm and prior to services on Saturday, October 11, from 9-9:45 at the Orchard 7th Ward Building, 810 East 600 North, Orem. Funeral services will be at this same location beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be in the Ephraim City Cemetery.