Wayne Horace Wallace

Wayne Wallace, born July 8, 1949, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his immediate family. Raised in Bartlesville, he graduated from Bartlesville College High School in 1967. From a young age, Wayne embraced a life of adventure, finding joy in motorcycles and motocross, and later sharing countless outdoor experiences with those he loved.

In 1974, Wayne welcomed his son, Christopher Michael Wayne Wallace, who became the pride of his life. In 1983, he married Sherrie, the love of his life, and together they raised their blended family with her daughter, Shanin. For more than four decades, Wayne and Sherrie built a partnership grounded in love, loyalty, and shared adventures. They made their home in Dewey, Oklahoma, where family life revolved around snow skiing trips across the country, four-wheeling, camping, boating, and fishing. When their son joined the military, they traveled coast to coast to support him, often reflecting on the rich life they had created together.

A respected businessman, Wayne was self-employed for many years, operating several auto paint and body shops in the Bartlesville area. In 1993, he co-founded Coachworks Paint & Body with James Vandagriff, leading the business with talent, integrity, and dedication until his retirement in 2018. He mentored many along the way, and upon retirement, DeJay White—whom Wayne regarded as another son—continued the legacy of the company.

Wayne found peace in music, keeping a guitar close at hand and playing daily. He collected instruments so his son and grandchildren would always have one nearby. Known for his patience, kindness, and generous spirit, he cherished his family, embraced the many pets his wife brought home, and lived each day fully, often saying he had the best life. Even in later years, facing health challenges, he continued to travel, explore the outdoors, and pursue his passions for firearms and competition shooting.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherrie; son Chris Wallace and wife; daughter Shanin Ford and husband; grandchildren Chance Cain, Chelsie Cain, Tyler Wallace, and Megan Wallace; and great-grandsons Jonathan Cain and Walker Wallace. He is also survived by his sister Patty Steinau and husband Ed, niece Nancy Moody, great-niece Whitney Hawkins and husband, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Wallace, his mother, Clara Jean Harris, his beloved Granny Edna Brooks, and Paul “Gabe” and Helen Gable, who lovingly raised him and his sister, along with several cherished aunts and uncles. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and “Papa,” Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love and treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.