Douglas Eugene Wallace (1954–1986)

His Story

Douglas Eugene Wallace was born September 7, 1954, in Salina, Kansas, to Oliver E. Wallace and Mary Jean Ribble Wallace. He grew up alongside his brother, Mike, and his sisters Connie, Kathy, Carol, Debbie, and Becky.

In 1972, Douglas joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Wichita Falls, Texas, until 1980. While stationed there, he worked as a store manager for the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store for eleven years.

In 1980, he moved from Wichita Falls to Oklahoma City, where he made his home. He and his spouse, JD, were building a house together in Warr Acres, but Doug passed away before he could see it finished.

He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Douglas died March 21, 1986, at Oklahoma Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 31 years old. Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian West Chapel in Oklahoma City, with the Rev. Max Alexander officiating, and he was buried at Fairlawn Cemetery in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Family

Parents: Oliver E. Wallace and Mary Jean Ribble Wallace
Grandmother: Edna Ribble
Spouse: JD Griffin, Oklahoma City, OK
Siblings: Michael Wallace Sr. of Langdon, KS; Connie Labrecque of Altus, OK; Kathy Meyer of Salina, KS; Carol McKee of Charleston, SC; Debbie Gibson of Hutchinson, KS; Becky Wallace of Hutchinson, KS

A Life in Moments

1954Born in Salina, Kansas
1972Served in the Air Force
about 1975Worked 11 years as a store manager for Sherman Williams Paint Co.
1980Moved to Oklahoma City from Wichita Falls, Texas
1980Completed Air Force service
1986Died on March 21, at age 31
1986Laid to rest at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, Kansas, following services at Guardian West Chapel

Photos

Messages

Levi Airington · Friend · August 201
When I met Doug in the late 70's, he lived in Wichita Falls. Later, Doug moved to Oklahoma City. He worked for Sherwin-Williams. Doug's partner, Ken, was friends with my partner at the time. They were having their home built by Ken's dad's construction company. One evening they came over to tell us they had both been diagnosed with HIV. Doug did not live long enough to enjoy their new home. Doug wasn't a big talker and he was a gentle soul. If you were upset about anything, just being around him would calm you down. Ken was by Doug's side at the hospital when Doug left us. It's been quite a few years (1985) since Doug walked to the other side. I still have memories (not many) of Doug, Ken and many friends who I've lost throughout the years.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt · Block 4097

The panel his family made for him

In the years after Doug died, his mother and his two sisters sewed a section of the great national Quilt in his name.

Doug Wallace's purple AIDS Memorial Quilt panel: his name and the years 1954–1986, the U.S. and Kansas flags, three photographs of Doug, the words Grandson, Son, Brother, Uncle, and the line “Our Friend, Our Angel.” — “Our Friend, Our Angel” · Grandson · Son · Brother · Uncle

IN MEMORY OF “OUR BROTHER”
DOUGLAS EUGENE WALLACE
September 7, 1954 — March 21, 1986

Sometimes I still can't believe Doug is gone. There are so many things I want to share with him. If only you could call heaven. But in my heart I know he is watching over us.

Doug was diagnosed in August 1985. The doctors said six months, he made it seven. Back in 1986 there wasn't a lot of information about AIDS. It was just known as the disease Rock Hudson died from.

Doug died in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Doctors tried every new experimental procedure and drug that came out. Doug was very aware that he was being used as a guinea pig. I only hope that what he went through helped someone else.

I never thought I'd bury my baby brother. Not a 31 year old with his whole life ahead of him. We loved him so much. I was always so proud to introduce my brother, Doug, to my friends. If only he knew how much it hurt to lose him and how much he is missed.

I'll never understand why God took him so soon!

We will see you again. We love you!!

Kathy McClanahanMary J. WallaceDebbie Gibson

sister · mother · sister

Doug is remembered on Block 4097 of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt. His panel, the letter, and photograph are preserved in the Library of Congress, American Folklife Center — AIDS Memorial Quilt records (AFC 2019/048).

Light a Candle

A light kept burning in memory of Douglas Eugene Wallace.