Ex-City Employee Homer Wallace Dead at 93

Homer H. Wallace, one of the city’s first paid firefighters who went on to become chief building inspector, died this week of a stroke. He was 93.

Well-liked and respected,

Homer H. Wallace

Wallace worked for the city for 35 years, retiring in 1972 at age 68. More than 600 people attended his farewell dinner at the Anaheim Convention Center, where he received awards and accolades.

“He was a good friend and a good employee,” said Jack Dutton, 87, a former Anaheim mayor who served on the City Council from 1962 to 1974. “He did a marvelous job. Everybody liked him.”

The City Council this week adjourned its meeting in memory of Wallace.

Wallace was born in Santa Ana on Nov. 5, 1904, and moved to Anaheim in 1911. He graduated from Anaheim High School in 1923, then attended USC. He started his career with the city as a volunteer firefighter in 1929 for $5.50 a month. In 1937, he was hired by the Fire Department and his pay increased to $125 a month.

By 1951, he was chief building inspector and had a hand in the growth of the city and the building of Disneyland.

“Homer took pride in his role . . . and because of his firefighting background was very concerned about building and safety,” said his son, Rodrick “Rod” Wallace, 65, of Anaheim. “Anaheim was his town, and he was very protective of it.”

Wallace was a longtime member of the Anaheim Host Lions Club, Anaheim Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Glenice, a daughter, Reynette Hauswald of San Diego, and his son. He also is survived by a sister, Alice Mayberry of Garden Grove, and three granddaughters.

Services were Thursday. Contributions may be made to: Anaheim Host Lions charity fund, P.O. Box 4195, Anaheim, CA 92803.