Richard W. Allen, 87, of Bellefontaine passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at his daughter’s residence in Lovilia, IA.
He was employed for 40 years with Grimes Manufacturing in Urbana before retiring as a foreman in 1998. He attended the First Friends Church in Bellefontaine and was a member of the Urbana Moose Lodge #1215. He and his wife loved camping and traveling and his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He also had a love and gift for writing, having his book, “Waldo’s Faded Memories” published. He was nearly finished with another book which his friend and fellow writer, Rob St. Clair will finish and send for publishing. Richard was blessed to hear from Rob last week, a Hollywood producer will be making a movie about their writing collaborations, dedicated in his memory. During his time living in Iowa, he also developed a love for watching birds and eagles, and painting small rocks with his daughter which they would set out on many adventures to leave around the country for others to find and tell their story online.
He was born December 2, 1935, the only child to the late Wilbur E. and Monna M. Reed Allen. On February 2, 1957, he married his wife of over 65 years, Beverly Jo (Taylor) Allen, at the North Lewisburg Friends Church by Raymond Graham and she preceded him in death on February 14, 2022. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant son, Bobby Allen; a son-in-law, Randy Hurst and his best friend, Alan DeLong.
He is survived by his children, Richard “Mike” Allen of Lima, Deborah Johnson of Bellefontaine, Diana Sue Hurst of Bellefontaine, John Allen of Bellefontaine and Lorrinda Anne (James) Cushwa of Lovilia, IA; grandchildren, Steve (Amy) Reames, Chad (Amanda) Wilt, Mike (Stormy) Allen, Timothy Allen, Kasi Johnson, Kari Johnson, Sarah Allen, Joey (Rob) Ewing, Lyndsie (Shawn) McGuire, Michael Cushwa, Penny Rosebrook and Joey Rosebrook; great grandchildren, Chad, Jr, Paige, Ryan, Ethan, Stevie Jr, Katie, Sebastian, Zoey, Sammy, Ryder, Karsyn, Kaesyn, Braden, Vanessa, Jack, Waylon, Camille and Cameron; many great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends whom were like family, Joe Rosebrook, Dale Johnson, Pete Hatfield, Joni Bateman Elleman, Mark Bateman, Bob (Gidget) Eleyet and Chris Fry.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Richard’s life will be held from 1:00-4:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the First Friends Church 808 W. Columbus Ave Bellefontaine. Burial along with his beloved wife, Beverly will take place at 10:30 A.M. Monday, July 24, 2023 in the North Greenfield Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St. West Mansfield. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com
