Milwaukee - Don was born in Palacios, Texas. He began his schooling at the two-room Palacios Colored School. When Don was a teenager, he moved from Texas to Milwaukee and attended Lincoln High School where he played the French horn. After graduation from high school in 1961, Don attended Marquette University and ultimately graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a master’s degree in social work.

Don had a lengthy career as a social worker for Milwaukee Public Schools until he retired. He also had a successful career as a realtor and continued to work in real estate up until the time of his passing. Additionally, Don was on several boards, most notably, the String Academy of Wisconsin and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle who was extremely generous and would do absolutely anything for his family and friends. He was passionate about good food and wine and developed several close relationships with talented chefs. He procured dinners from his “chef buddies” as auction items for the benefit of Neighborhood House of Milwaukee.

Don was very passionate about Politics. He volunteered to canvass in several states for the Obama presidential campaigns. He also volunteered for Souls to the Polls, helping to transport people to vote who were otherwise unable to do so.

Don absolutely loved to travel with St. Martin and Italy being his favorite destinations. To celebrate his 80th birthday, he took his entire family to Greece.

Don had many friends and relatives, both near and far; he will be deeply missed by all.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Willie Wallace, and mother, Ella Lean (Reed) Wallace, his brother, Willie L. Wallace, his sister-in-law, Helen Wallace, and his son, Geoffrey Wallace. He is survived by his wife, Mary Patricia Rose, son, Simeon Wallace, daughters-in-law, Cynthia Moore and Pauline Zwaans, grandchildren, Ethan, Ezra, Virginie, Winston, Julius & Ferdinand Wallace and nephews, Jerel and Maurice Wallace.

We will be holding a memorial service to celebrate the life of Don Wallace:

When: Saturday October 17th, 2026

Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm Central Time

Where: Neighborhood House of Milwaukee

2819 West Richardson Place

Milwaukee, WI 53208

In lieu of flowers and/or food, we kindly ask that you make a donation (in his honor) to Neighborhood House of Milwaukee.

Please share your memories of Don below in the guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd    Madison

608-238-3434