Plum veteran worked long hours to support family

Zane Wallace was known as a man with a strong work ethic, who took on a second job to support his seven children.

"Dad spent 42 years working as a milkman for Turner Dairy," said Jackie Rich of Plum. "And after his regular shift was over, he'd stay and cut meat for Turner."

On nights and weekends, he worked as a bartender, his daughter said.

"Dad made sure we had everything we needed," Rich said. "But most important, our parents passed on their work ethic to us."

Zane Eugene Wallace of Plum died on Thursday, May 13, 2010, in his home. He was 82.

"My father served Turner customers throughout Penn Hills," said his daughter. "The weather never held him back. Dad never missed a delivery. He was up early and on his way on even the worst days in winter."

Born and raised in Braddock, Zane Wallace attended Penn Hills High School and married Shirley McNamara, a resident of Mt. Washington, prior to entering the military.

"My father was an infantryman who fought on the battlefields of Korea," said Rich, recalling the harsh conditions that American GIs encountered. "Dad never complained about the time he spent in Korea. He served his country and was proud of it."

After Mr. Wallace retired and his children were raised, he began playing golf three times a week and putting in long hours in his garden.

In addition to his daughter, Jackie, and his wife, Shirley, Mr. Wallace is survived by his children, Janet Ward of Vandergrift, Zane M. Wallace of Plum, Jay Wallace of Florida, Joel and Jody Wallace of Apollo and Jon Wallace of Export.

He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a sister, Rosemarie McCully of Smicksburg, Indiana County.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Maurice L. Knee Funeral Home, 7663 Saltsburg Road, Plum, where a funeral service is 8 p.m. Sunday.