Wayne Marvin Wallace

Wayne Marvin Wallace, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at his home in St. George, Utah on October 19, 2026, at the age of 85.

Wayne was born on September 16, 1941, in Murray, Utah, to Marvin and Ruby Wallace. He was the oldest of nine children, he was raised in Taylorsville, Utah, where he learned from an early age the values of hard work, family, service, and faith. He graduated from Granger High School in 1959 and attended Utah State University for a short time before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central British mission which included England and Wales from 1961 to 1963. His mission was an important and lasting part of his life and strengthened his testimony that would guide him throughout his years.

On November 8, 1963, Wayne married his beloved sweetheart, JoAnn Bowles in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Together, they built a life and raised their family of six children with faith, love, hard work, and devotion to one another. 

Wayne was a hard worker who was never afraid to take on a new challenge. His first job was with General Electric. He later worked in sales and merchandising for Wonder Bread and pursued numerous other endeavors including real estate. He was willing to do whatever was necessary to provide for his family, including roofing and cleaning offices at night alongside family members. Wayne's work ethic was a reflection of the kind of man he was; dependable, resourceful, and willing to work hard for those he loved.

Wayne enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, hunting, western movies and music, playing softball and basketball, and working in his garden. He was a true "meat and potatoes" man and could happily do without guacamole.

Wayne had a genuine interest in people and never met a stranger who he could not make into a friend. He was curious, inquisitive, and loved learning about others. He loved a good conversation and was always ready to share a story, ask a question, or offer his perspective, he could talk to anyone anywhere about almost anything. Whether visiting with a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, he had a way of making people feel welcome.

Above all, Wayne was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a valiant servant of the Lord. His testimony of Jesus Christ remained strong throughout his life, including during some of his most difficult times. He never allowed life's challenges to cause his faith to waver.

Wayne especially loved the Book of Mormon and had a deep desire to share his testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with others. He spoke openly and sincerely about his beliefs and was never shy about sharing what he knew to be true. His testimony was not simply something he spoke about, it was something he lived. His faith, service, and devotion to the gospel were among the greatest gifts he gave his family.

Wayne will also be remembered for his remarkable resilience in the face of physical health challenges. Even when his body became weaker and life became more difficult, he continued to face each day with determination and faith. He endured with quiet strength, never allowing his circumstances to define him or diminish his testimony. His familiar fist bumps became a small but powerful expression of that spirit. That simple gesture communicated encouragement, connection, and "keep going." Those fist bumps will be deeply missed. His ability to endure faithfully to the end stands as a true testament to the life he lived and the testimony he carried.

Wayne is survived by his wife and eternal companion, JoAnn Wallace, and their children: John (Rachel), Jerry (Bonnie), Julie Flinders (Scott), James (Shelley), and Jill Wallace. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Ray, Arla, Marva, Brent, Robert, and Tammi, and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacque; his parents, Marvin and Ruby Wallace; his brothers, Ron and Paul. Wayne lived his life with faith, purpose, resilience, and a love for people. He finished his earthly journey as he had lived it, as a faithful husband, father, grandfather, friend, and servant of the Lord. His influence will live on in the lives of the many people who loved him and in the generations of his family who will carry his faith and example forward.

Funeral services held at 11:00am on October 24, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 415 Westridge Drive, St. George, Utah. Prior to the services there will be a viewing from 9:30am-10:45am. Interment will follow the services at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770. Services are under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.