Wallace Duane Cummings

Wallace Duane Cummings, a man of unwavering faith, devoted family love, and honorable service, passed away on January 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on August 18, 1944, to Annie Laura Hammon and Jack Duane Cummings, Wallace’s life was a testament to his commitment to his family, his country, and his faith.

Wallace’s journey of faith and service began early, serving as a proselytizing missionary in the NE British Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from October 1963 to October 1965. This formative experience set the tone for a lifetime of dedicated service in various church callings, including as a clerk in a ward at Brigham Young University-Idaho and in family history roles, including at the BYUI Family History Library, Elders Quorum President, and loved being a ward missionary. His deep faith in Christ was the driving force behind his devoted service, including his cherished time as a temple worker alongside his wife, Shauna, in the Cebu Philippines Temple from 2010 to 2011 and the Idaho Falls Temple.

Wallace married Shauna Christine Bodily, on April 22, 1966, in the Idaho Falls Temple marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love, shared service, and family. The couple embarked on a life of military service, traveling, and adapting to the demands of a military lifestyle, before eventually settling down in Idaho Falls to raise their family and enjoy the fruits of retirement. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home frequently hosting gatherings and offering counsel and advice to many, including nieces, nephews, siblings, cousins, children, and grandchildren.

Wallace’s service to his country was marked by bravery and dedication. He served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970, including time aboard the USS Kitty Hawk as a Petty Officer during the Vietnam War. His military career was distinguished by several commendations, including an Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and two awards of the National Defense Service Medal. Wallace continued his commitment to the Naval Reserve from 1970-1974 and again from 1980-1998, demonstrating his unwavering patriotism and pride in his service.

Professionally, Wallace contributed significantly to his community, working in Job Services for the State of Idaho and later as a recruiter at INL. He was passionate about guiding others to find meaningful employment and career paths. His dedication to service extended to volunteer work, including supporting bereaved parents, counseling Vietnam veterans, and active involvement with the Idaho Freedom Birds.

Wallace’s life was also marked by the joy he found in personal traditions and hobbies. He loved decorating for Christmas, personally wrapping thoughtful gifts for all his grandchildren, including practical items and memorable keepsakes. He always loved to make homemade Christmas ornaments to share with everyone. He cherished spending time with each grandchild before the start of their first school year, creating lasting memories and traditions. Wallace and Shauna enjoyed celebrating all of the holidays and especially enjoyed ones where they could spend time with their family.

At his cabin at Island Park, a place he loved dearly, Wallace enjoyed gardening, reading scriptures, and puttering around, always preferring to fix things himself. He built the cabin with family help, creating a cherished gathering place for many family activities. His love for travel took him and Shauna to several countries, including visits to family in Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt, and trips with friends from the Cebu Temple.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Duane and Annie Laura Cummings; his son, Cary Duane Cummings; twin grandsons: Traven and Tyken Trappett; 2 brothers: Sherman Cummings and Howard Cummings; and his sister, Kathleen Cummings.

He is survived by his loving wife Shauna of Idaho Falls; children: Todd (Catherine) Cummings of Herriman, UT, HyDee (Eric) Graybill of Rexburg, ID, Kristina (Leon) Trappett of Layton, UT; 3 sisters; Lorena Luber, Mary Young, and Mona Lee; and 14 grandchildren, who continue his legacy of service, faith, and love.

Services to honor and remember Wallace will be held at noon, on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the LDS Church, 3370 North 5th West, Idaho Falls, Idaho. A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and from 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m., prior to services. Interment will be in the Iona Cemetery where military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the US Navy Honor Guard.

In remembering Wallace Duane Cummings, we celebrate a life richly lived in service, faith, and love. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire and guide those he touched. Wallace will be dearly missed, but his spirit and the values he embodied will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he impacted.

Online condolences may be sent at www.coltrinmortuary.com.