Charles Eason Wallace, 86, passed away at home in Godfrey, IL on Sept. 5, 2025. Born in Denver to Louis Wallace and Louise Leonard, Charles was an active boy and the eldest of five. During his life, Charles loved sports and played football, baseball, golf, tennis and even ran the L.A. marathon. A graduate of Kemper military high school, he enlisted in the Navy hoping to see the world but instead was stationed in Beeville, TX. Charles and Joell Fink married in 1962 in Dallas and had two children. After the marriage ended Charles moved to L.A. and held several finance roles in the music and film industry. He built a community of friends and a variety of interests – traveling, sports, theater, and home improvements of gardening and deck building.
In 2005 he relocated to Washington State, near his toddler-aged granddaughter, Meryl. A lifelong learner and reader, Charles became a certified Master Gardener and started a landscaping business. Charles had a zest for life and inspired others with his optimism and gratitude. An active resident of Bainbridge Island, WA, Charles was an eager volunteer for the Island Volunteer Caregivers organization and assisted “super-seniors” (90+ years old) with transport to appointments as well as local events. Three care receivers he regularly brought to performances became known as “Charlie’s Angels.” His white beard and size led him to be Santa for charities’ photo events and parties, which he loved. For his independent living building, he acted as a welcome committee, book club leader, and chief birthday celebrator. He spent Fridays at the Bainbridge senior center attending laughter class, sing-a-longs, group lunches, and bingo with friends.
Charles positively impacted his community with his fellowship and will be greatly missed. He is survived by son Charles Jr. (Renee) of Godfrey, IL and daughter Wendy (Earl) of Bainbridge Island, WA; grandchildren Mara (Chris Johnson), Chloe, and Meryl ; great grandchildren Conrad and Alice Johnson; and his sister Kay Barber, nephew, nieces, and many other loved ones. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charles’ honor to Island Volunteer Caregivers of Bainbridge Island, WA.
