Maynard Wallace, 77
Funeral services for Maynard Leon Wallace, 77, of Thornfield, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava with Pastor Austin Sutton officiating. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Jan. 20, at the funeral home. Due to concerns related to the covid-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to please wear a mask. Mr. Wallace died suddenly at his home on Jan. 17, 2021.
He was born April 21, 1943, in a log house at Pond Ford, the son of Archie and Ruby Rae Mahan Wallace. On July 3, 1967, in Sparta, he married Linda Kay Larson.
He became a successful high school basketball coach despite never having the opportunity to play in high school or college himself. He spent 33 years in public education, including many years as superintendent of schools at Forsyth and Ava.
Mr. Wallace served eight years in the Missouri State Legislature and never had a close election. He served six years on the Missouri State Tourism Commission and was chairman of the Education Committee. He also served three years on the State Board of Education.
He was very pleased to own the farm that was homesteaded by his great-grandparents in the 1860s and has been owned by the family ever since. He wrote, “Nothing compares to my pride and enjoyment of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren working together, fishing, playing ball, etc. I have truly been blessed!” Mr. Wallace was a Christian and of the General Baptist faith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children and their spouses, Michael and Lexie Wallace, and Nicole and Jeramy Keller; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Craig and husband Ted, Sue Weber, and Patti Roberts and husband Danny Roberts; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Michelle Nilges; and his brother-in-law, Michael Weber.
Burial will be in the Thornfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bradley/Mahan Cemetery, the Wallace Cemetery or the Thornfield Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.
Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, directors.