Kenneth Wilbur Wallace

Mr. Kenneth W. Wallace, 83, resident of Biloxi, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2009, while holding his wife's hand and surrounded by family. Mr. Wallace was born in Saugus, MA, on February 14, 1926, to Frederick and Louisa Wallace. He served in the United States Navy for 24 years and held many positions including Division Officer, Master Diver and Senior Chief Petty Officer. As Senior Master Diver, Ken was at the Experimental Diving Unit in Washington, D.C. He served in WWII, where he was at the Invasion of Normandy, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following Ken's retirement from the Navy, he joined Taylor Diving & Salvage Co., Inc., in Belle Chasse, LA, where he held many positions, including President and Director, during his 20 years of employment. He retired and made his home the MS Gulf Coast for over 25 years. Ken was a member of Biloxi Elks Lodge No. 606. During his membership, he served as Americanism Chairman and received the Elk of the Month and Elk of the Year awards. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Arlene Wallace; brothers and sisters; and dear friends Hank and Nancy Marcel. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 20 years, Janie Wallace; sister-in-law, Ruthie Wallace, of Williston, FL; daughters Marion Wallace of Hutto, TX, Dianne Nibbs (Alan "Mac") of Jamul, CA, and Erin Elliott (Jordan) of Petal; sons Marcus Hall, Zach Hall (Rose)both of Perkinston; grandchildren Kenneth Eberley, Denise Faith, Kennon and Jessica Nibbs, Kirsten Lott, Wyatt and Tucker Hall, Sophia Elliott, and Lucas Hall; four great-grandchildren, Preston and Chelsea Faith, Justin and Andrew Eberley; numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. Memorial services will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, July 31, 2009, at 10 o'clock in the morning. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Allison Wall, the staff of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Oncology Unit and Hospice for their care and compassion. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Ave., Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.