John Alfred Wallace, 87, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

John was born on the family farm north of Luray on March 23, 1929, the son of William Smith and Jean Grace (Whiteley) Wallace.  John grew up and attended school in the Luray area which is located between Paradise and the Garden of Eden. His father passed away when John was 15 years old leaving John to take over the family farm.

John married Louse Alice Verhage on August 19, 1951 in Osborne.  They were blessed with three children; Patricia, Vicki and Roger.  They made their home on the Wallace family farm where John grew up.

John was a lifelong farmer and rancher working side by side with his wife Louise.   He lived on the family farm for over 80 years until he and Louise retired and moved to Russell in 2009.  In his free time, John enjoyed playing cards and always had a newspaper close at hand. When he could, he attended farm auctions and enjoyed driving around the beautiful Kansas countryside.

John's surviving family include his wife of 64 years, Louise; daughters, Patricia Colglazier of Rozel, Kansas and Vicki Hemmerling (Dwight) of Hutchinson, Kansas; son, Roger Wallace (Mara) of Elkhorn, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Derrick Colglazier (fiancée Miranda Walker), Roy Colglazier, Sarah Hemmerling, Zachary Hemmerling (Emily), Zane Hemmerling (Megan), Riley Wallace and Avery Wallace; and some nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pearl and Ruby, and son-in-law Daniel Colglazier.

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Vincent Cemetery in Osborne County.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Luray City Library.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.