Joel Morgan Wallis

Joel Morgan Wallis was born April 24, 1962, at a U.S. Naval Station in the Republic of the Philippines. He was the son of Jerry and Carol (McKinsey) Wallis. A lifelong resident, he made his home in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, until his death Friday, April 26, 2002, at the age of forty years. Joel graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1980. He was currently employed at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, where he was working in warehousing. For seventeen years, he was a production worker and tool crib coordinator at King Radio, later known as Honeywell, and E.F.T.C., of Ottawa and Lawrence. Joel served in the United States Army from February of 1982 to February of 1985, stationed in Germany two years and Ft. Lewis, Washington. He then served in the Army Reserves from 1985 to 2000 as a Specialist E-6. While on active duty, he received nuclear, biological, and chemical specialty training. Joel earned several citations and awards including Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Marksman Qualification Badge (M-16), Army Good Conduct Medal, and Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon. He was an avid fan of martial arts, having trained in karate. He enjoyed watching old movies and, in the spring, liked to go mushroom hunting. Most of all, Joel loved spending time with his family and friends. In July of 1988, he was united in marriage with Christene Fuson at Ottawa. They were later divorced. He is survived by his parents; fianc', Shelley Cantrell of Princeton; daughter, McKenzie Wallis of Princeton; stepdaughter, Savannah Cantrell of Princeton; two brothers, Russell Wallis and his wife, Susie, of Ottawa, Damon Wallis and his wife, Jan, of Ottawa; sister, Sherry Lewis and her husband, Sonny, of Ottawa; paternal grandmother, Frieda Wallis of Eldon, Missouri; and, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2002. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Steven Iwersen. IN STATE: Joel will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Monday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7 to 8:00 Tuesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas, with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Meals on Wheels or The McKenzie Wallis Trust Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.