Robert Wallis

Robert “Bob” Craig Wallis, 68, passed away at home on May 19 after long illness. He was born to Kenneth and Glen Wallis in St. Joseph and was a lifelong resident of the area. Bob attended Albion College, where he met his future wife, Sheran “Sheri” Payne. He was active in choral music as a member and President of the Albion College Choir, and led his Delta Sigma Phi fraternity brothers to two championships at Albion’s Songfest competition. Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Psychology, and then returned home to take over the family business, Grace B. Pauley clothing company, a long-time establishment in Downtown St. Joe. Bob and Sheran were married in 1966, shortly after their Albion graduation. Music was a cornerstone of Bob’s life. He sang his way through life as a member of quartets and choirs, and served as choral director of a number of churches in the area over the years. More recently, Bob was a member of the Kalamazoo Bach Festival Chorus. A highlight of his life was singing at Carnegie Hall, along with his daughter Beth, as an alumnus performer with the Albion College Choir. Bob took great joy in athletics, both playing and watching. Bob played third and first base for the St. Joseph United Methodist softball team for many summers, and was known for his highly competitive streak when playing racquetball with anyone willing to take him on. He also coached a junior high softball team for his son, Bob. On Sunday afternoons during football season you would always find Bob and Sheran at home watching their beloved Chicago Bears. They were also longtime season ticketholders of St. Joe Bears high school football. But what perhaps defined Bob most were his connections to the people around him, both family and friends. He touched many lives as a teacher and advisor at Lake Michigan College and as an employment counselor at Michigan Works. Bob kept in touch with Delt Sigs, choir members, Fairplain Lions Club members, and coworkers throughout his life. His jokes, t-shirts, and funny emails always brought smiles to the faces of his friends. Bob held his family most dear. He and Sheran, his wife of 46-years, shared a love of football, sports movies, the TV show NCIS, and family. With pride Bob saw both of his kids carry on the family performing tradition. Son Robert D. Wallis (Beth Gregory-Wallis) composes and performs music while daughter Elizabeth Kraemer (Todd Kraemer) was active in theatre and now teaches. Bob shared grandson Duncan Wallis’s love of baseball and music, and felt happiest when he brought smiles and laughter to his granddaughters Lucy Wallis and Katie and Maddie Kraemer. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, William Bruce Wallis and Donald Wilbur Wallis. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday May 22, at Starks & Menchinger & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor John R. Smith officiating. Friends may visit from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name Albion College or the Kalamazoo Bach Festival Chorus.. Those wishing to sign Bob’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.