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Bishop Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice
Ernest "Ernie" Carrol Wallis, a cherished husband, father, and decorated veteran, passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 9, 2025 at the VA hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Viewing will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The family will greet friends prior to the funeral service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Bishop Chapel of Memories officiated by Rev. Rodney Briggs. His son Michael Wallis will share a eulogy. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honors Team and the Robert B. Thomas VFW Post 1098. Pallbearers will be, Michael Wallis, Liam Wallis, Hugh Graham, Eric Freeburg, Ron Hays, Daniel Trent, Matthew Freeburg and Patrick Walling. Born on February 15, 1937, in Paden, Oklahoma, to George and Ella (Massey) Wallis, Ernest's early years were marked by a curious spirit and drive that would define his entire life. Ernest spent his formative years in California, where he graduated as a standout baseball player at Tracey High School in Tracey, California. Ernest's love story began when he married Yvonne J. Freeburg on June 9, 1957, in Tracey, California. Their partnership was based on love and mutual respect, and together they navigated the joys and challenges of life. Ernest joined the Navy in 1956 at age 19, enlisting at Treasure Island in San Francisco and dedicated 20 years to the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, and commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer. During his service Ernie served faithfully as an Aviation Ordinanceman with duty assignments in various Navy squadrons, and deploying on aircraft carriers during Pacific cruises. One of his fondest assignments was as a drill instructor at Naval Recruit Center San Diego where he helped train the Navy's next generation of sailors. In 1967 Ernie switched assignments and was selected into the elite unit of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) where he qualified as a navy diver and underwater demolition expert. It was in this role that he twice deployed to Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with combat V, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Campaign Medal for his meritorious service. Ernie's navy career finished in McAlester as the Officer in Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal DET at the Naval Ammunition Depot in McAlester. It was here that Ernie and his team lead the design, organization, and implementation of the current ordinance disposal operation that exists today as his legacy. After his honorable discharge, Ernest's industrious spirit led him to own and operate McAlester Cabinets and Home Improvements. His intelligence and handy nature were evident in every project he undertook, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship that enriched the homes and lives of many Pittsburg County customers. Ernest's interests extended beyond his professional life. Following his navy retirement, Ernie attended Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, where he received an associate’s degree in business management. He was an avid gardener, finding peace and joy in the cultivation of his plants and vegetables. His woodworking skills were not just a profession but a passion, and he could often be found in his workshop creating pieces that were both functional and beautiful. Fishing provided him with moments of reflection and relaxation, a hobby that he cherished throughout his life. His commitment to his fellow servicemen and women continued as a member of the Robert B. Thomas VFW Post 1098 in McAlester, where he shared camaraderie and support with other veterans. Ernest's life was a testament to his character-intelligent, handy, and endlessly interesting. Ernest is survived by his family and friends and as fixture as always in the Frink-Chambers community. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne Wallis of the home; daughters, Denise Graham and husband, Hugh of Atoka, Karen Hays and husband, Ron of Corinth, Texas, Carol Janisch and Patrick Walling of McAlester; son, Michael Wallis and wife, Jeannie of Penn, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Kate Trent, Daniel Trent, Sarah Randle and husband, Darrion, Emily Jensen and husband, Chris, Natalie Hewitt and husband, Justin, Courtney Farriell and husband, Namath, Liam Wallis, Grace Wallis and Annmarie Wallis; numerous great grandchildren, other family members and friends. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 4 sisters. His memory will be honored by all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. As we bid farewell to Ernest Carrol Wallis, we celebrate a life lived with honor, a life that touched so many others, and a life that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
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