Wallis L. McDown, 80, of Iola, Kansas, died Sunday, March 29, 2009, at his home. He was born May 16, 1928, in Colony, Kansas the son of Herman O. and Margaret E. (Byfield) McDown. He graduated from Colony High School. On May 10, 1946, Wallis married Mary Ellen Baker. He worked for the Brunk Lumber Yard in Colony before moving to Kansas City where he worked for Krogers for several years. They moved to Iola and he worked at the water plant before going to work for Southwestern Bell. He worked forty years for Southwestern Bell before retiring. He was a member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Iola Elks Lodge and the Telephone Pioneers. SURVIVORS: Wife: Mary Ellen McDown of the home. 2 Sons: Dale McDown & wife, Dede of LaHarpe, KS, and Bret McDown & wife, Sherry of Iola, KS 3 Daughters: Dianna Henry of Iola, KS, Betty Ellen Ryder & husband, Allen of Olathe, KS, and Elaine Fontaine & husband, Steve of Hutchinson, KS 2 Brothers: Ray McDown & wife, Lelia of El Cerrito, CA and Wayne Arlen McDown & wife, Paula of Ocean Springs, Mississippi 17 Grandchildren 42 Great Grandchildren 4 Great-Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by 1 brother and 4 sisters. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Pending MEMORIALS: St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel, Iola, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website.