June 6, 1947 – January 9, 2023
David Lee Wallace, 75, Noblesville, passed away on January 9, 2023, at The Restoracy of Carmel. He was born on June 6, 1947, in Noblesville to Lee Wallace and Phyllis Jane Wallace.
He attended Jackson Township Schools and graduated from Jackson Central High School with the Class of 1965. He then furthered his education earning a B.S. degree in 1969, M.S. Degree in 1971 and an Ed.S. degree in 1968, all from Indiana University. This earned him certifications as Teacher K-8, Elementary and Secondary Principal and School Superintendent.
He began his career teaching fifth grade from 1969 to January 1975, then from 1975 to July 1997 he was Director of Elementary Education, and lastly from 1997 to June 2004 he was Assistant Superintendent, all at Noblesville Schools. David was an avid reader and wanted to assist children to learn, appreciate and become productive citizens by being life-long readers.
He was active in professional organizations that included the International Reading Association, Indiana State Reading Association (State President, 1986-1987), Indianapolis Area Council IRA, Hamilton County Council IRA (founder), Great Lakes Region IRA, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Indiana Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Central Indiana Region Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Marion County Curriculum Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
He had served on many committees that included Indiana Title IVC, Butler University Reading, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Facilitator Center, and the Hoosier State Press Association-Newspapers in Education.
David was a guest speaker for classes at Indiana University, Ball State University and Butler University, plus making presentations at local, state, regional, and International Reading Association Conferences. He was also an editorial advisor for MacMillan McGraw-Hill School Division. Locally he coordinated various committees including curriculum, talented and gifted, computers, substance abuse, textbook adoption and specifications for new buildings and grounds.
In 2004 he received the Distinguished Hoosier Honor Award by Governor Kernan. Additionally, he received the International Reading Association Special Service Award and the Indiana State Reading Association Excellence in Reading Award, both in 2001, and was inducted into the Indiana Reading Hall of Fame in 1999.
David was a member and past president (1979-1994 and 1997) of the Hamilton East Public Library Board, the Hamilton County Step Ahead Council, president (1992-2002), Hamilton County Historical Society, Noblesville Midday Rotary, Noblesville First Christian Church, and Cicero United Methodist Church.
David was tall in stature and presence, but always considerate and kind. In his profession he lived his passion for reading and continual learning in helping children have future productive and fulfilling lives.
He married Molly (Woerner) Wallace in 1971. She preceded him in death in 1983. His parents, Lee Wallace and Phyllis Jane (Voss) Wallace Leiendecker, and stepfather, George Leiendecker, also preceded David in death.
Surviving him is a son, Scott David (Sarah) Wallace of Noblesville; and grandchildren, Claire Wallace and Ethan Wallace, both of Noblesville.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Cicero United Methodist Church, 100 E. Jackson St., Cicero, with burial to follow at Cicero Cemetery. A time of visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Hartley Funeral Home Cicero Chapel, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero.
Memorial contributions may be made to Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, P.O. Box 724, Noblesville, IN 46061; or Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation, 14350 Mundy Drive, Suite 800, #181, Noblesville, IN 46060. You may send condolences at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.