Robert "Gator" Wallace

To live stream Gator's graveside service on Tuesday, September 1st, click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and then click watch now on the "Live Webcast" starting at 11:00am. Robert “Gator” Wallace was born August 28, 1941 at home in Arispe, Iowa to Kenneth and Helene Wallace. He spent his childhood working on their family farm and chasing his younger sisters, Ann and Donna around. He graduated from Arispe Consolidated School in 1959. Gator worked for BNSF in Chicago, then worked for Monarch Materials in Adel, before starting his own business. Wallace Construction was founded in the mid 1970’s. He did backhoe work for new homes, field tile, among many other things. He knew his way around the dirt and passed this knowledge and passion onto his son Kyle. One of Gator’s favorite hobbies was taking his 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 to numerous car shows in central Iowa. He took great pride in his car; needless to say, it was never touched by a raindrop! He was an extreme train enthusiast. He loved to sit and watch trains and enjoyed a model train track that took up his entire basement. He enjoyed time with his family and was elated to have all four of his children together and reunited for the last 6 months of his life. On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, “Gator” passed away at The Mercy Hospice House in Johnston. He fought a good fight for the last 10 years and spent his final days peaceful and surrounded by family. He passed the way he lived his life, in his own time and on his own terms. Left to honor his memory are his children: Randy Wallace, Kim (Keith) Hatmaker, Heidiann (Billy) Campbell and Kyle (Kaylie) Wallace; his grandchildren, Karen Wallace, Lindsey Hatmaker, Matthew Hatmaker, Billy (Chantelle) Campbell, Rylan Campbell, Kaeden Campbell and RaeLynn Wallace; one great grandchild, Aliah Campbell; and his sisters Ann (Rich) Wenzig and Donna (Terry) Sires. All who loved him dearly will remember him for his strength, courage, humor, stubbornness and selflessness. Gator was preceded in death by his parents, and late wives, Sherry Wallace and Jeanette Wallace. Robert “Gator” Wallace, 78 of Adel, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020. A Graveside Celebration will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel. A Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2020 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel, where friends may call starting at 2:00 pm and family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service following. Those in attendance are asked to please follow social distancing guidelines by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Masks are recommended for both the service and visitation. Live streaming of the graveside service will be available to watch on Gator’s tribute wall at starting at 11:00 am. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.