Obituary for Wallace Ala
Wallace Eugene “Gene” Ala, affectionately known as “Pops” 91, of Leavenworth, died Monday, May 22, 2023, at his home. He was born Sept. 7, 1931, in Oskaloosa, Kan., the son of Oscar and Mabel (Bristow) Ala.
On July 20, 1970, he married Frances L. Jaster, in Leavenworth, Kan. She survives at the home. He is also survived by two sons, Charles Ala of Dallas, Texas, and Wallace S. Ala of New Mexico; a daughter Eva L. Voss of Gardner, Kan.; a stepson, Randy King of Leavenworth; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Jerry and Wayne King; and a sister.
He was a jack of all trades. Gene was a certified Welder, Mechanic and Heavy Equipment Operator. He worked at many places to include Collard Chevrolet in Leavenworth for eight years, Missouri Valley Steel and J.L. Clark Plumbing.
Gene was a gunsmith and enjoyed competing in fast draw competitions with his friend, Russ Spindler, who preceded him in death. He also enjoyed archery competitions, building motorcycles and cars and riding Harleys with his friends.
He was a lifelong member of the NRA, various shooting clubs, the Roadrunners motorcycle club and later the Escorts motorcycle club in Leavenworth.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home for funeral expenses.
On July 20, 1970, he married Frances L. Jaster, in Leavenworth, Kan. She survives at the home. He is also survived by two sons, Charles Ala of Dallas, Texas, and Wallace S. Ala of New Mexico; a daughter Eva L. Voss of Gardner, Kan.; a stepson, Randy King of Leavenworth; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Jerry and Wayne King; and a sister.
He was a jack of all trades. Gene was a certified Welder, Mechanic and Heavy Equipment Operator. He worked at many places to include Collard Chevrolet in Leavenworth for eight years, Missouri Valley Steel and J.L. Clark Plumbing.
Gene was a gunsmith and enjoyed competing in fast draw competitions with his friend, Russ Spindler, who preceded him in death. He also enjoyed archery competitions, building motorcycles and cars and riding Harleys with his friends.
He was a lifelong member of the NRA, various shooting clubs, the Roadrunners motorcycle club and later the Escorts motorcycle club in Leavenworth.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home for funeral expenses.