Samuel Charles Wallace, Jr., 83, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Monday, November 3, 2014.
Sam was born April 20, 1931, to Samuel Charles, Sr. and Gladys Bell Tivey Wallace at Clarks, NE where he grew up. He graduated from Clarks High School in 1949 then went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher.
On June 10, 1951, Sam married Louise Ann Garretson at Clarks and to this union four sons were born. They lived in Clarks, North Carolina and Salina, KS. In 1952 Sam joined the U.S. Marines and served until 1954. Following his discharge he returned to Clarks and his job at the railroad.
The family moved to North Platte in 1967 where Sam continued his employment with the Union Pacific Railroad and received a promotion as Chief Train Dispatcher. During his career, Sam had worked as a telegrapher, station agent and chief train dispatcher; he retired in 1987.
Sam was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He also helped with Marriage Encounter and Meals on Wheels. In 1999 Sam and Louise received the Midlanders of the Year Volunteer Award.
Sam will be missed by his family which includes his wife of 63 years, Louise, of North Platte; sons, Rex (Maureen) Wallace, of Amherst, MA and Doug (Vicki) Wallace, Wayne (Renee) Wallace and Larry (Diana) Wallace, all of North Platte; and 10 grandchildren, Keary Ryan, Megan Ryan (Alan Yorke), James Ryan, Joyce (Kevin) Reser, Scott (Kara) Wallace, Preston (fiancé, Jasmine Moore), Matt (friend, Sarah Frantz), Sam (friend, Tenisa Grimsley), Max Wallace and Kylie Wallace.
Survivors also include nine great-grandchildren, Finn and Dan Yorke, Alyssa and Jordan Reser, Kayla Bockus, Bella Wallace, Ethan and Sawyer Moore and Jayce Frantz; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Garretson, of Central City, NE; his brother-in-law, Dennis (Louise) Garretson, Platte Center, NE; special friends, Abby, Butch, Roman and Squirt; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sam, Sr. and Gladys; his sister, Parnela Dexter and two infant sisters; and three brothers-in-law, Rex Garretson, Morris Garretson and Leroy Dexter.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial in lieu of flowers. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.