Friday, October 2, 2026
On April 1, 2025, Charles Henry "Chick" Wallace, 89, passed away while visiting his brother in Austin, Texas.
Charles was born in Granbury, Texas, Sept. 28, 1935, to Charles R. and Alma Wallace. He graduated from Granbury High School in 1953. He started college at Texas A&M and transferred to Texas Tech where he graduated with a degree in agriculture. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn Lauderdale. They married August 31, 1957, and remained in Lubbock until Chick finished his master's.
From 1965 until 1968, they moved around Texas until Chick accepted a job at what is now called the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In 1972, Chick accepted a position at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. Chick and Carolyn fell in love with Alaska and its people. They raised five children in Fairbanks and decided never to leave. Chick retired from the University in 1984.
In 1996, Chick was asked by Sen. Ted Stevens to serve as Alaska's Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), a position he held from March 1997 until his death. He was honored at West Point Military Academy in 2018 as the longest-serving CASA in the history of the program. Chick loved his position and helped young soldiers, senior NCOs and the officer corps get settled and acclimated to Alaska. He transitioned to CASA Emeritus in 2018 when Carolyn's health required him to travel less.
Chick was involved with the Northern Schools Federal Credit Union, Kiwanis, Rotary, Alaska Crippled Children, Salvation Army Board and many other community organizations. Chick was a great man who could always be counted on to help someone in need.
Chick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Alma Wallace; his first-born son, Joe Charles; and his wife, Carloyn V. Wallace.
He is survived by his brother, Billy Joe Wallace (wife Barbara), his children, Clay Wallace (wife Rochelle), Chris Wallace (wife Joann), Coke Wallace (wife Joann), Cullen Wallace and Courtney Pagh (husband Steve). He leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
While we all grieve our loss, please take comfort in this – Chick and Carolyn are dancing on the streets of gold in heaven!
A celebration of life for Chick will be held at a later date in Fairbanks.
