Edward Birch Wallis of Westfield IN, formerly of Lafayette IN passed away on Monday, January 19th after struggling with health issues for several years. “Ed” was born in Lafayette IN on October 12,1938 to Henry Birch (HB) Wallis and Florence (McLain) Wallis. He was previously married to Nancy (Hupp) Wallis. He married Mindy (Kallner) Wallis in February 2012.
Ed was an alumnus of St. Mary’s Catholic School grade school, ultimately graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School. Following graduation Ed attended Indiana University Bloomington where he majored in Finance. He was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He graduated from IU School of Law with a Doctorate of Juris Prudence in 1964 and joined the U.S. Army that same spring. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and humbly served his country through 1966 when he was honorably discharged.
Ed began his legal career at Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald & Hahn in Evansville before returning to Lafayette. He worked at The Lafayette Life Insurance Company from 1974 – 1995. He retired in 1995 as President and COO. He continued to practice law until he fell ill in August of 2021. He enjoyed working with non-profits, small businesses and assisting seniors with their estate planning needs.
Ed had a huge heart for his community. He was the personification of a true servant leader. Through the years he served as President of the many boards including Tippecanoe County Child Care, United Way of Greater Lafayette, and Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce just to mention a few. Ed was a member of the Harrison Chapter of the Kiwanis for 50 years. Until the time of his illness, he could be found shucking corn at Kiwanis tent at the fair and collecting donations for the club outside Macys at the Mall during the Christmas Holiday season. In 2010 Ed received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from then Governor Mitch Daniels. This award is given to exemplary Indiana residents in recognition of their character, dedication and positive impact on their communities.
Ed could be found most days (when he wasn’t still working) with a book or fishing pole (or both) in his hands. He was devoted to his Catholic faith. He relished any time he could spend with family, especially if it was on a lake.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by his loving wife Mindy, son Mark Wallis of Ramsey, NJ, daughter Melissa (Larry) Chandler of Cicero, IN and Emily (Scot) Rosko of Greenwood, IN. He was Grandpa, Grampy or Great Wallis to 8 grandchildren and 5 ½ (one on the way) great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Hippensteel Funeral Home, 822 N. 9th Street, Lafayette, IN. The visitation will conclude with the reciting of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026 at The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, with Ed’s grandson, Fr. Sam Rosko, celebrant. Family interment will follow at Green Lawn Memorial Park, Frankfort, IN. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to Kiwanis Indiana District Foundation, 3636 Woodview Trace Suite 100, Indianapolis IN 46268, website: www.indkiw.org or the Cathedral of St. Mary, 1212 S. Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St. Frankfort is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.