H. Scott Wallis

1955 - 2025

H. Scott Wallis
Born: May 30, 1955 in Elgin, IL
Died: September 16, 2025 in Princeton, IL
H. Scott Wallis passed away on September 16, 2025 at OSF St Clare Hospital in Princeton, Illinois.
Scott was born May 30, 1955 in Elgin, Illinois to George H. and Edna A. (Palmore) Wallis. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1974, and was active in planning class reunions and monthly suppers. He worked as a Bureau County Deputy while attending IVCC and for the Peoria Police Department after he graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Law Enforcement. He worked as Superintendent of the City of Princeton Waste Water Treatment Plant, retiring after 28 years in April, 2012. Scott always said he was "number one in the number two business."
Scott attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and attended the National Scout Jamboree. He also served as Cubmaster of Pack 4151, and Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop 63. He was a member of the Illinois Rural Water Association and served as Vice President, President (2004-2005), and Secretary (2006-2012) for the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators. He was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton, serving as usher, head of the Maintenance Commission, and sound booth tech. An avid collector and restorer of vintage Coleman lanterns and stoves, Scott was a member of the International Coleman Collectors Club, Inc. He sold his collection at auction in 2023, and immediately began collecting Sears Coleman lanterns after. He enjoyed photography, acquiring an extensive collection of new and vintage camera equipment over the years. He loved taking pictures of nature, old buildings, and vintage cars, often with his sons.
Scott loved his family. He married the love of his life, Mary S. Richards, on March 22, 1980 at First Lutheran Church in Princeton. His sons were his pride and joy. He was very active in their lives growing up, helping with scouts, coaching soccer and baseball, and attending their activities as their avid fan. He shared his knowledge of home improvement and DIY skills by enlisting his sons' help in myriad renovation projects, including the construction of an addition. After they left home, he was their go-to person for DIY advice of their own. In their retirement, Scott and Mary enjoyed taking off on adventures in their campers, always with an eye out for antique stores and a good meal. Always quick to laugh and ready with a good story, he'll be remembered for his humor and love for his family and friends.
Scott is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary, sons Andrew of Carlock, IL and Jason (Bridey Heing) of Washington, DC, sisters Alice Hurley of Marysville, OH and Sharon Cagle of North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara Krooner and Kay Daukas, and brother George E. Wallis.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 am until time of funeral service at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. Burial of cremated remains will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton.
Memorials may be directed to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton or Friends of the Hennepin Canal.
Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.