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John William Walls
John William Walls, 86, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2013, after a brief illness.
John was born on March 25, 1927, in Knightstown, Indiana, to Otto F. and Ruth Miller Walls. He graduated from Knightstown High School, Indiana University, and Wayne State University (Detroit).
He served in World War II as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force.
John retired in 1993 as President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He was named an Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash by Governors Otis Bowen, Robert Orr, and Evan Bayh. He had also served as Senior Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis under Mayor Richard Lugar and as the first Executive Director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. His involvement in the creation of Unigov in the 1970s was a source of satisfaction for him.
John was active in many local, state, and national public and civic organizations, often serving in leadership roles. He was the first Chairman of the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo), and President of the Metropolitan Development Commission. He also served as Chairman of the United States Council of State Chambers of Commerce.
In addition to the three Sagamore of the Wabash awards, he received the Indianapolis Jaycees Good Government Award, the Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences, and a Community Service Award from the Christian Theological Seminary.
John and his wife, Phyllis, were longtime members of First Friends Church and later joined St. Luke's United Methodist Church. They enjoyed many years of golfing at Meridian Hills Country Club. John's primary interests and enjoyment were related to his wife, family, and friends. He and Phyllis cherished family occasions, looking forward to each moment together. They were childhood sweethearts in Knightstown and their marriage of 65 years brought them countless special memories.
John is survived by his wife, Phyllis Hardin Walls; four children: Ann Ponce (Phil), Kathryn Shorter (Fred), Elizabeth Root (James), and Timothy Walls (Margaret); thirteen grandchildren, Dan (Amy) and Anthony (Maggie) Ponce, Maria Terre (Trey), Doug (Shantel), Jill, John, and Steve Roudebush, Tom, Emily, and Madeline Root, and Noreen, Liam, and Anya Walls, four step-grandchildren, Fritz (Denise), Ryan, Adam (Michelle), and Jake Shorter, and 4 great-granddaughters. He is also survived by a niece, Sandra Dowty, and a nephew, John O. Gradle.
The family would like to express gratitude to the medical team at St. Vincent Hospital for all they did.
Visitation will be at Crown Hill Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Memorial service will be at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our hearts go out to all in the family as John was very special to us and an ingetral reason for us becoming members of First Friends Meeing in Indianapolis. His gifts of compassion and insight made him not only an outstanding businessman, but a wonderful friend to all who knew him.
We shall miss his fabulous welcoming smile.
Bill and Barbara Dubois
June 5, 2013
saddened to hear this news. I knew John mainly as father to Tim, a childhood friend, and as a business leader. a Great loss to both family and community. My condolences to all.
Steve Klinger
June 5, 2013
WHITLOCK
JIMMIE WHITLOCK
June 4, 2013
I remember John fondly, from those exciting days of the Lugar administration.
Joe Leary
June 3, 2013
John Walls was a major contributor to the dynamic 20th Century growth of Indianapolis. As first Executive Director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and Senior Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis, Johns Walls gave essential leadership in the foundation and development of Unigov. I will always be grateful for his loyal and talented friendship during years of crucial decisions and daily challenges.
Sen. Richard Lugar
June 3, 2013
It was a privilege to know John and to serve in the advancement of Indiana's economy with him. What a giant among men he was!
Marilyn Moran-Townsend
June 3, 2013
John W. Walls was a standard bearer for Knightstown High School graduates. He also set the tone and pace for excellence in leadership service. His character, pursuit of worthwhile goals, and contributions to every organization and institution he served model the way for leaders of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Respectfully,
Dr. Larry M. Lindsay
Chief of Staff
Indiana Wesleyan University
June 3, 2013
I will always remember John as one of the finest gentlemen I have ever know. Truly kind and a friend first, he had insight into communities and the people in them. I am fortunate to have known him. Prayers from the Dittoe family.
Jim Dittoe
June 3, 2013
I have fond memories of John singing in the First Friends choir. He and Phyllis were good and supportive friends of my father-in-law, Lorton Heusel.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Becki Heusel
June 3, 2013
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