John William Wallace, age 63, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away early Monday morning, August 3, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

      He was born August 23, 1962, in Elgin, the son of J.W. and Joann (Fuller) Wallace.  He was united in marriage to Lisa Kristine Sorensen on August 12, 2000, at the Church of God of Prophecy in Xenia, and together they shared almost 26 wedding anniversaries.

      John worked as a subcontractor drywalling and painting many buildings throughout Illinois and Florida.  He also worked for the Village of Xenia and the City of Flora, mowing and caring for the cemetery and city park. For six years, John drove a truck for O.K. Express alongside Lisa.

      John had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley-Davidson Sportster, working in the yard, and tending his garden. He was also good-natured about completing the many “honey-do” lists Lisa had for him. John loved cooking and was happiest when he could feed those around him, especially when preparing his French toast or chicken and dumplings for the family. When the food was ready, he could often be heard shouting, “Get it while it’s hot!” He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to cook and took great pride in each of his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa.”

      He is survived by his wife: Lisa Wallace of Xenia; children: Theresa (Daniel) Edgington of Xenia, Shawn (Rachel) Newbolds of Cisne, Jeremy (Lisa) Wallace of Xenia, Robert Newbolds of Flora, and John (Ashley) Wallace of Mentor, Ohio; grandchildren: Madyson Slover of Xenia, Grace Edgington and Duke Edgington, both of Xenia, Rhiannan Newbolds of Cisne, Caroline, Jase, Delaney, Annie, and Eden Wallace, all of Xenia, and Jameson Wallace and Julianne Wallace, both of Mentor, Ohio; brothers: Jay Wallace of Xenia and William “Billy” (Rose) Webster of Inverness, Florida; a sister: Danielle Wallace-DeCaro of Eldorado; an uncle: Don (Lois) Wallace; and an aunt: Brenda (Virgil) Luff.

      He was preceded in passing by his grandparents: Earl Ray and Fannie Mae Wallace; his parents; a brother: Jerry Wallace; sister-in-law: Apryl Wallace; and an uncle: Jim Owens.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Don Wallace officiating.  Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia.  A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com