Obituary of Donald D. Wallace

Our Dad, Donald D. Wallace, 93, died October 4, 2023 at his home at Solstice in Bangor. He was born March 14, 1930 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Robert and Jessie (Dunham) Wallace.

Don grew up in Springfield and was always tinkering with bikes and cars. He and his buddies created cars that out ran the police but that didn’t keep him out of trouble. The judge recommended that he join the military, so he chose something faster than cars and joined the Air Force. Don’s 22 year US Air Force career began at the end of the Korean War Era as an aircraft mechanic. He served four tours in SE Asia including two in Danang, Vietnam and Thailand. He took his family to Okinawa, Germany, and many different states, but home base was always Maine. He was very proud of his record for perfect inspections for the F104s and the Phantom aircraft he worked on, and managing the “flight line” where ever he was. While stationed at Loring AFB in Maine he met and later married Catherine M (Smith) Wallace. They raised 5 children while traveling in the US and abroad. After retirement from the USAF Don started his own business as a Kirby Vacuum salesman and distributor. It grew to be something that he excelled at and led to many travels for he and Catherine to enjoy. When he finally retired at age 78 he still made repairs for customers using his tools and the back of the car for storing supplies. Don had a fondness for boats and water and fishing. He taught his children to swim, water ski, and appreciate nature. His many dog children held a special place in his heart. He loved taking his grandchildren out on the water in his boat and summer “camp week” created many fond memories.

He is survived by his four children, Michael Wallace of Spokane, WA; Cynthia Whited and her husband, Tom of Dedham ME, Rebecca Buchholz of Nine Mile Falls WA, and Geralyn Wallace-Guy of Melbourne, FL; seven grandchildren; Jerica Whited, Zachary Whited and his wife Kori, Derek Whited and his wife Lydia, Bryan Buchholz and his wife Kendall, Belinda Lowes and her husband Jamie, Michiko Berceau and husband Tony and Madison Wallace-Guy. 3 great grandchildren; Briley & Lennon Whited and Brianna Lowes. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed spending holidays and family gatherings with. He is also survived by one sister Patty Shaw of Atlanta Georgia and her two children Randy Shaw and Sandy McGaffigan their 3 children Megan, Aaron and Adam McGaffigan. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Wallace, son Gregory Wallace and wife Catherine Wallace.

Don wasn’t happy about following his wife’s idea to live at a retirement home in Bangor but after she followed him all over the world he consented to this big change in his life and actually enjoyed his new home at Solstice. Assistance from Lianna, Kim, and Leslie with PT & OT at Empower Me was a gift that was so appreciated, for helping him maintain his independence until his passing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio St., Bangor. A reception time will immediately follow in the church parish center. Burial with military honors, committal and final commendation will be 12 PM Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat HERE . Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.