Donald C. Wallis

WALLIS, DONALD CHARLES

Don Wallis, 88, of Appleton, died Sunday evening, March 21, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. We will always miss him, but he will live on forever in our hearts in the retelling of all the fun times and good memories he has left with us.

Don was born July 13, 1921 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Arthur and Pauline (Hillman) Wallis. His mother died when he was 2 years old and he lost his father at the age of 12. He was raised in Indianapolis by three loving aunts.

During WWII, Don served our country in the Marine Corp. After basic training in San Diego in 1942, he was sent to Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be chauffer and body guard to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. He remained there until the war was over. Don is a member of the Johnston-Blessman Post #38 American Legion, Appleton.

Don married Phyllis Blair on September 9, 1945 in Indianapolis while she was a student at Lawrence University in Appleton. Their marriage was blessed with three wonderful daughters: Pam Wallis, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Barbara (Wayne) Pichon, Anchorage, Alaska and Donna (Byrl) Eddy, Appleton; three grandsons; three granddaughters; six great grandsons and two great granddaughters.

Don was a talented artist and attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Art. He began work as a creative artist in food packaging for Marathon Corporation in Neenah. In 1954, he became art director in Chicago when Marathon set up an art department in their sales office, later to become American Can Company. In 1971, he returned to Wisconsin where he was art director for Bemis Company in New London until he retired in 1986.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family as well as painting, golf, bowling and traveling. He was a kind hearted man that brought love and laughter to his family and those around him. Our family is bound together by the love of Christ and we all look forward to seeing him again. He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandpa!

The memorial service for Don will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 26, 2010 at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 East South River Street. Rev. Stephen P. Savides and Rev. Jane B. Anderson will be officiating. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Don's name.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231
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