Richard Lee Allen

Richard Lee Allen went home to Jesus on Sunday, March 3, 2024, after a lengthy, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 29, 1950, in Emporia, KS to Marvin R. and Sabra Leota (Boosinger) Allen.

Rich married the love of his life, Karen Blackwell, on March 11, 1968, in Cottonwood Falls, KS. They were blessed with three children, Nick, Richard W., and Shelley and further blessed with eight grandchildren.

Rich’s way of life showed his unwavering faith in God. He was a lifetime member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Emporia. His family meant more to him than anything else, something that was clearly seen by all that knew him. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and supported them in every way.

Rich held many jobs prior to becoming a farm/ranch hand for Jerry Thomas/T7 Ranch of rural Council Grove, where he dedicated the last 46 years managing cattle and crops.

Rich was a master of most trades. He was an incredible cowboy and enjoyed raising and training horses and livestock dogs. Rich spent 40 years as the devoted Chief of the Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department. He never hesitated to jump into action when the call came in. He enjoyed building the fire trucks and creating apparatuses to better serve the needs while fighting fires. When he wasn’t farming, ranching, supporting his grandkids, fighting fires, or building fire trucks, he was likely fishing or tinkering in his shop.

Rich joined his parents in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Karen Allen; children, Nick (Amy) Allen, Richard (Mary) Allen, and Shelley (Dustin) Miller, all of Council Grove; grandchildren, Megan (Seth) Redel, Bailey (Trey) Langvardt, Maddy (Gabe) Hight, Jaedyn Miller, Shyanne Allen, Corbyn Miller, Kyla Allen, and Shanyn Miller; brothers Jerry Allen, Glen (Janet) Allen, Marlin (Carla) Allen, Lester Allen, and sister Lorita (Mike) Brazzle; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Sawyer Funeral Home in Council Grove. Rich wished for a private family service, which will be honored. Contributions in memory of Rich can be made to the Dunlap Fire Department and sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS, 66846.