Longtime radio personality, 62-year-old Kirk Harrison Wallace of Fairfield, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 7:27 a.m. on Saturday, October 10th. He was born to parents Gilbert and Frances “Juanita” Wallace on October 18, 1957 in Mt Carmel, IL. Kirk worked for WFIW Radio in Fairfield beginning in his early teens, following in the footsteps of his late father Gil Wallace, “Fairfield’s Morning Mayor”. Most recently he was the morning show host for WNOI, Clay County Country 99.3 in Flora IL.
Kirk went by many names during his tenure in Fairfield, he was known as “Killowatt”, “Link Heartthrob”, and Woody Long”, and most recently as “Zak Steele” for WNOI Clay County Country in Flora, IL. He loved his work being on the radio, he really enjoyed having that platform to express his well known “dry sense of humor”. In his free time he enjoyed golfing and his work with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Kirk held many offices within the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He submitted his membership application for the Elks on 10-18-1978, becoming Exalted Ruler in 1981 and District Deputy in 2000. He received the distinguished award of Elk of the Year in 2002. He has been Fairfield Elks Lodge #1631 Secretary of 15+ years, and Elected Illinois Elks State President from 2010-2011. One of his greatest joys was watching his wife Debbie follow in his footsteps and become District Deputy this year. It was through the Elks that they met each other and was a passion they both shared. He also was a 3rd degree Master Mason of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge, belonged to the Scottish Rite in Belleville, he was a Potentate’s aid for 28 years at Ainad Temple. Worshipful Master of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge for two terms. He was also a Shriner in Ainad Shriners.
Kirk is survived by his wife Debbie Dianne Wallace of Fairfield; son Aaron Garrett Wallace of Fairfield IL/ Dallas TX; two stepchildren Jessica (Adam) Pope and Jacob Rinard of Fairfield; stepsister- Virginia (Paul) Rebmann of Ormand Beach, FL; three sister-in-laws Delores Jones of Wadesville IN, Dixie (Jason) Cherry of Fort Branch IN, and Dorothy Diesel of Oak Ridge MO; brother-in-law Andrew (Laurna) Diesel of Fairfield, mother-in-law Phyllis Yohe and father-in-law Marshall Yohe of Mt. Erie IL; many nieces, nephews, an aunt, an uncle, cousins and friends also survive.
Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Thomas and Francis “Juanita” Wallace.
Kirk will be cremated with Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home handling the arrangements. Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service held. He will be memorialized along with other members, during the Fairfield Elks Memorial Service on Sunday, December 6th. Donations can be made to Fairfield Elks Lodge #1631, Elks National Foundation or Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation of which Kirk was a Chairman for many years.