David M. Wall

CHARLESTON, IL – David Murl Wall, age 92 of Charleston, left his earthly home on Sunday, July 1, 2018.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Reverend Wilford Stevenson officiating.  Military Rites by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined honor guard will be conducted at the conclusion of the funeral service.  Inurnment will be in Mound Cemetery, Charleston at a later date.  It is requested that memorial donations be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter and may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

David was born December 22, 1925 in Bond County, llinois, the seventh of eight children born to the late Alfred A. and Nancy (Bentley) Wall.   On March 31, 1944, he married his wartime sweetheart, Norma Jeanne Metzler in Greenville, Illinois and they have experienced the joys of marriage and friendship for the past 74 years.  In addition to his loving and devoted wife Jeanne, he leaves six children to cherish his memory, Joseph D. Wall of Charleston, Stephen E. Wall and wife Norma of Downers Grove, Illinois, Daniel R. Wall and wife Christina of Athens, Georgia, Michael W. Wall and wife Diane and Patrick A. Wall and wife Anna, all of Charleston, and Deborah Wall also of Athens; six grandchildren, Gregory Wall, Shanna Wall, Staci (Brandon) Cox, Melissa Wall, Brian Wall and Bethany Wall; and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded by all his siblings.

David was valedictorian of his graduating class in Hillsboro, Illinois.  He honorably and faithfully served his country during World War II with the U.S. Navy Armed Guard.  David was employed with the Standard Oil Company in Woodriver, Illinois; the Environmental Division of Kraft Foods in Champaign, Illinois and retired from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois where he acted as Chief Engineer of Utilities and Instructor of Environmental Sciences until 1982.  David was a Life Member of Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and a former member of the American Legion in Sorento, Illinois.

While raising his family in Bethalto, Illinois, David was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Explorer Advisor, as well as a member of the Bethalto United Methodist Church.  As an environmentalist, David was known for his organic garden and sharing its abundant yields and as a philanthropist he was just as generous with his charitable contributions.  His interest in genealogy prompted much research as well as books written – 15 in all.  He enjoyed searching garage and yard sales for a bargain and shared his love for dogs with his family.  David was dearly loved and greatly respected and will be missed by his family and friends.