Grover Leon Wallace

Grover Leon Wallace, 95, of Mineral Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024. He was born in Mineral Wells to Grover Richard and Mary Opal (Grantham) Wallace on July 26, 1928. He married Nancy Elizabeth Baucom on February 19, 1955, and they shared 69 wonderful years together.

Leon attended elementary school in Salesville before enrolling in Mineral Wells High School where he graduated at the age of 16. He was accepted into engineering school at Texas A & M and completed a year there before joining the U.S. Navy in 1946. He completed naval aviation electronics school and was assigned to a NATS squadron stationed in Guam, M. I. There he served as a radio operator on Douglas R4D transport aircraft flying between Guam, Japan, China, and the Philippine Islands. He reached the rank of Petty Officer Third Class prior to his honorable discharge in 1948.

He returned to Mineral Wells and enrolled in John Tarleton State College, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Geology. While there, he fulfilled a long-time dream of learning to fly. He enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin for a year of miscellaneous study before coming home to Mineral Wells. He worked several years at Fort Wolters as an engineering draftsman and reached the division engineering level while attending Texas Christian University at night, earning a BA in Physics in 1964. He earned his Professional Engineer certification in 1972 while working as the Director of Engineering for the Process Equipment Division of Can-Tex Industries. In 1978, Leon accepted a position as Vice President of Operations for Brazos River Gas Company in Mineral Wells, retiring from there as President and CEO in 1991.

Leon was reared in the Salesville Baptist Church as a child where he was saved and baptized. As a young man, he transferred his membership to First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells, where he was a member for the remainder of his life. He was active in church, teaching Sunday School, serving on committees and being a dedicated member of the church choir. He was also civically minded, participating in the Noon Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce and as a director of the Texas Gas Association. In retirement he liked to browse the internet to learn new things or listen to great music. He liked to read, play golf with friends, hunt and fish. Woodworking brought him great pleasure as he spent much time making gifts for his family.

Leon is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Steve Wallace (Georgie) of Gonzales, Louisiana; daughters Leslie Anthony (Tom) of Mansfield, Texas and Lori Lindsey (Roger) of Weatherford, Texas; grandchildren Alex Wallace, Clay Wallace, Tyler Anthony (Nicole) and daughters Ellie and Remi, Tanner Anthony (Danielle) and daughters Evie, Zoe and Josie, Connor Anthony (Natalie) and daughter Margot, Brynn Lindsey Ellis (Parker) and AJ Lindsey.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norrel Franklin Wallace.

Pallbearers will be Alex Wallace, Clay Wallace, Tyler Anthony, Tanner Anthony, Connor Anthony, AJ Lindsey, and Parker Ellis.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells or your favorite charity.