Richard Wallace

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Wallace, who left us on May 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Rich was born in Oakland, California, on February 26, 1947, to Richard and Mary Wallace.  He is survived by siblings Bruce Wallace, Janet Herdman and Trish Andrews.

Rich built a beautiful life of faith, family and community commitment in Sidney with his beloved wife Susan, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, and their dog Poppy.  He was a devoted father to his children, Kathy Wallace Bell (Ron Bell) and Scott Wallace (Julie Wallace), and a cherished grandfather to Kaity Seitz and Mia Wallace, who brought immense joy to his life.

Rich grew up in Mansfield, Ohio, attended Capital University where he met Susan and after service to his country in the United States Navy, attended law school at Ohio Northern University.  He began and ended his 50 year legal career in Sidney, devoting himself as a zealous advocate for his clients.  Rich was equally invested in the community he called home.  A servant leader, he served Sidney and Shelby County in every conceivable civic role, most notably as a local historian, author, and philanthropist.  An avid runner, cyclist and triathlete, his competitive spirit and drive was known to friends and family alike.   Rich was also a person of deep faith, committed to the power of prayer, fellowship and spiritual enrichment.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 and 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home in Sidney.  Services will be held at Sidney First Methodist Church on June 7 at 10:00 AM. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Graceland Cemetery.  Following the services, the family will be hosting a reception at the Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center, 115 E. North St. in Sidney.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Day City Hospice or the Shelby County Animal Shelter.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Condolences may be expressed to the Wallace family at the funeral home's website, cromesfh.com.