Richard (Dick) LaVern Allen |
| Posted 2009-04-24 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg (AZ) Sun Wednesday, March 4, 2009, p A-10 Richard (Dick) LaVern Allen left this world peacefully on Feb 27 with his family gathered around him. Dick was born March 5, 1929 in La Crosse, Wis., to Lloyd and Iona Allen. After graduation from Logan High School in Lacrosse, he enlisted in the military services, serving in both the Air Force and the Army. While stationed in Northern Arizona he met his future wife, Lois. They were married in Flagstaff in 1954. After leaving military life behind him, Dick took Lois and son Richard and moved back to LaCrosse to plan their future. After a short stay and with the decision made to start a career in pharmacy, they moved to Fargo, ND, where Dick attended pharmacy college. During this time, he supplemented their income by working as a lineman for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Also, their family had grown, as daughter Nancy came along to enrich their lives. After graduation he obtained employment with the Osco pharmacy chain, working for this company in both Fort Dodge and Boone, Iowa. In 1960 he brought his family to Wickenburg, where he worked as a pharmacist/manager for Ryan Evans drug store chain, then for Revco drug stores. He was a local pharmacist here for many years, and during this time his youngest daughter Lisa was born. He continued serving in both the Army and Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, and retiring in 1989. Dick and his family were members of the Wickenburg Saddle Club. Dick was a member of the Gold Shirt Gang and the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years and also the Military Officers Association of America. He had a passion for restoring old cars, and he and Lois were active members of the Classy Classics Car Club, his latest car a 1956 Pontiac Chieftain. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph and sister Shirley. He leaves behind to mourn his passing brothers Clinton (St Paul, Minn), Gordon (Salem, Ore), Curtis (La Crosse, Wis), his wife of 54 years, Lois (Wickenburg), son Richard (Omaha, Neb), daughter Nancy Steele (Phoenix), and daughter Lisa Byrne (Wickenburg); four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Interment of Dick's ashes will take place in a private military ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. He also wishes to be placed on the family farm in Genoa, Wis. There will be a celebration of Dick's life on Sunday, March 15 at 1pm at the Coffinger Park Ramada. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the American Legion, Kellis Draper Post 12, in Wickenburg. Such is the legacy of Dick Allen, a loving husband and father and good friend to many. He believed in taking the road less traveled, making many friends along the way. Even though he is gone from our sight, he is still with us in our hearts and minds. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory. See Also: Find A Grave |
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