Judge Mark W. Wall

Vietnam Veteran and Municipal Court Judge Mark W. Wall died Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the age of 70. He was born in Middletown on December 27, 1946 to parents Robert Mark and Dorothy Marie (Mullins) Wall, who preceded him in death. His sister, Linda, also preceded him in death at age 9. Judge Wall is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda; daughter, Katie Wall Olson; son, Mark Andrew Wall; grandchildren, Emma True Olson & Andrew Graham Olson; sister, Charlene Wall (Steve) Ecclestone of Toronto, Canada; niece, Annie Ecclestone; and nephew, Paul (Anika) Ecclestone. [Also survived by his dog, Bill Murray, who is a rat terrier but he loved him anyway.]

Judge Wall enjoyed trapshooting, duck hunting, fly-fishing, college football, English Premier League soccer and Keeneland. He was a member of the Bishop Fenwick High School Class of 1964, Catholic Athlete of the Year, Tri Captain of the football team and student council president. A Fenwick Development Fund Trustee, he was honored to be inducted into the Fenwick Hall of Achievement. He received a B.A. in political science from Miami University in 1968 and earned a Juris Doctor from The University of Cincinnati in 1973, then worked in private practice of law from 1973-1994. At one of the most difficult times in history to be a Republican [following the resignation of Richard Nixon] he became a Republican and remained a Republican. He served the Middletown Area Republican Club, Butler County Republican Party on the Central Committee 1983-1990 and 1992-1994. He was a member of the United States Army Infantry from 1968-1970, serving in Vietnam from 1969-1970 with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal [2] with oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal and combat infantry badge.

Judge Wall's professional associations included Middletown Bar Association which he served as president in 1993, the Butler County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Judicature Society, Ohio Judicial Conference and The Ohio Municipal and County Judges. His government service included elected office with 2 terms on the Board of Trustees of Lemon Township 1981-1989. During this time his community service included campaign coordinator for the Middletown Area United Way 1984, Parish Council at Holy Trinity Church 1984 and 1986 and sponsoring and coaching Middletown Knothole and Middletown and Monroe SAY Soccer. He also participated as presiding judge for the Mock Car Crashes presented prior to prom at Middletown, Monroe, Madison and Fenwick High Schools. From boy scouting to mock trials he strongly supported the character development of area youth. He served as MiddFest Chairman several years and displayed his musical talent in an operatic role at the Sorg Opera to rave reviews.

Judge Wall's political acumen was highly regarded and he mentored many careers. As a delegate of the Supreme Court of Ohio's Judicial Conference, Judge Wall taught at Harvard University. With the highest possible ratings from both the Butler County Bar Association and the Butler County Republican Party, Governor Voinovich appointed him to the unexpired term of Judge James Combs in 1994 and he
was then elected, unopposed, to three 6 year terms. Since 1994, Judge Wall has performed well over 1, 000 weddings. The establishment of The Veteran's Court at Middletown Municipal Court was a point of particular pride because vets felt more like soldiers with problems to be solved rather than a general population of criminals. Judge Wall's comradery with area military service groups was cherished.

Judge Wall's Veteran's Day speeches gave him the opportunity to speak about the sacrifice of true sons and daughters of liberty: "A great nation is judged by how it honors its dead." He often spoke of the reality of who the Vietnam Veteran was vs. false perceptions of Vietnam Veterans. "And what would they have become? I believe I am typical of the Vietnam Veteran. It was our duty, our honor and our privilege to serve. When we stepped off the Freedom Bird we received all the homecoming we needed. Our father's firm handshake. Our mother's warm embrace. A sweet kiss from the girl we left behind, and a Big Boy, fries and vanilla coke. We took off the uniform and went back to work and back to school. Soon we were patrolling the streets, putting out fires and serving our communities". This was always reinforced at his reunions with the 1966-1970 Vietnam Veterans of Always Alpha Group, A Company, 3rd Battalion 7th Infantry [Cottonbalers] 199th Light Infantry Brigade [Redcatchers].

Judge Wall made a real difference in countless lives, shown by his collection of cards and letters thanking him and explaining in detail how lives were changed by his actions. More than a few promised to pray for him and his family. He was dedicated to the city he loved and the court personnel who served. Judge Wall finished the work that God had for him to do in his community.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Parish - Holy Trinity Church, 201 Clark Street, Middletown with Father John Civille as celebrant. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Middletown Combined Honor Guard and the Middletown Police Department.

Memorial donations may be made to the Judge Mark Wall St. John XXIII Memorial Fund, c/o Middletown Community Foundation, 300 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044