H.W. Tom Wallace

H.W. Tom Wallace, age 78, passed away May 29, 2008. He was born April 17, 1930 and raised in Muncie, Indiana and later resided in the Indianapolis area.
Mr. Wallace was active in many community organizations. He was a Board Member and Director Emeritus of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame for forty years. He was President of the Hall of Fame during the first two years it successfully moved to New Castle, IN. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with their Silver Medal award in 1985.
Mr. Wallace graduated from Ball State University in 1952 where he later served as President of the Alumni Association and was elected Alumni Trustee from 1970 to 1980. Ball State awarded Mr. Wallace their Distinguished Alumni Award. He also received a graduate degree from Indiana University.
After a commission in 1952 as an officer in the US Navy, Mr. Wallace served three years aboard the battleship New Jersey during the Korean War. He became a member of Korean War and Navy Veterans organizations.
Tom Wallace married Jane Ann Isanogel in 1954. They were blessed by five children: Linda Ann (& William) Cates; Barbara Jane McClain, who precedes him in death; Thomas Warren (& Lynn) Wallace of Herndon, VA; Karen Lee (& Kevin) Staton of West Lafayette, IN; and Steven Andrew (& Karie) Wallace of West Lafayette, IN. There are 13 grandchildren.
Mr. Wallace joined Eli Lilly and Company following the Korean War. His 32-year career included industrial relations and public relations areas. He retired as Director of Corporate Affairs.
In the community, Mr. Wallace coached many youth sports and avidly followed amateur sports in Indiana and Florida. He assisted the Colts organization in its move to Indianapolis. He also served on the United Way Community Service Council as well as committees for the National Red Cross and Visiting Nurses Association. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by two Governors.
Tom Wallace was elected to the Lawrence Township Board of Education 1968-72. He served as President of the Board and helped form plans for, and was on the building committee for, Lawrence North High School.
Beyond Mr. Wallace's civic leadership he was known by family and close friends for his generosity, kindness, and many acts and words of support. Tom Wallace was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and good friend. He is survived by a brother, David Wallace of Hartford City, IN; David's wife, Diane; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Noblesville on Tuesday, June 3 at 10:30AM with Rev. Eric Gale officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, June 2 from 5:00-8:00PM at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home in Noblesville. Burial will be at Hamilton Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame or donor's favorite charity.