John Fredrick Wallace

John Fredrick Wallace, of St. Johns, Arizona passed away in his home, Friday, May 17, 2019 with family members by his side. He was born January 9, 1937 in Las Vegas, Nevada to parents, Sidney Herbert Wallace and Eva Andrea Christensen Wallace. John was the third of seven children: Robert C. (deceased), Don Sidney, Eva Marie, Patricia Ann, William Dean and Martha Jean.

John is survived by his wife, Carolyn Joyce Earnest Priest Wallace, St. Johns, Arizona; first wife, Elva Fayth Christensen, children, Neal Wallace, Tempe, Arizona; Jeffrey (Barbara) Priest, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dan (Nancy) Wallace, Orange, California; Andrew Wallace, Anaheim, California; Jennifer Priest Kinne (Nick) Howell, Mesa, Arizona; Jill Wallace, Merced, California; Jason (Shelley) Wallace, Scottsdale, Arizona; Jonathan (Mandy) Wallace, Queen Creek, Arizona; Jared (Shelly) Wallace, St. Johns, Arizona; brothers, Don (Joan) Wallace, Orem, Utah; Dean (Deanne) Wallace, Lehi, Utah; sisters, Marie Stakebake, Gilbert, Arizona; Patricia Loveland (Lloyd) Thayne, Layton, Utah; Jean (Stephen) Noyes, Lehi, Utah; 45 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert C. Wallace, brothers-in-law, Heber Loveland, Ronald Stakebake and sister-in-law, June Wallace.

A natural athlete, John enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, shooting, water skiing, skating and bicycling as well as many others. John also enjoyed dancing and music; a member of his church choir, he and Carolyn would sing to each other daily and enjoyed laughing together as a result of his unique sense of humor.

In addition to his love of the outdoors and music, John also loved aviation; earning his pilot’s license for planes and helicopters. Having both a keen and creative mind, he loved figuring out how things worked and would often invent his own solutions to numerous challenges he encountered. His curiosity for understanding how things worked in the world led him to pursue an Electronics Engineering degree from Arizona State University, where he successfully completed the ROTC program for the United States Air Force, enabling him to serve his country with the rank of Lieutenant. After serving his country in the military, he had a successful career utilizing his degree in engineering and natural leadership qualities, ultimately completing a 30 year career working for the Department of Defense, with aviation primarily.

John loved doing things for other people and would often be found teaching children how to whittle and carve wood and make them toys as well as volunteer for whatever service opportunities he was able. An active member of his church, John served multiple service missions with his beloved Carolyn as well as numerous church callings, throughout his life, including serving in the temple for 7 years.

Although John will be missed, the legacy he leaves will be cherished by his family and the lives of everyone he encountered.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Dept.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ephraim Park Cemetery, 650 N Main, Ephraim, Utah.