Kenneth Allen, age 84, of Essex, Iowa passed away Sunday, November 30, 2003 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha after a brief illness. Kenneth Max Allen was born May 19, 1919 on the family farm near Climax, Iowa. He was the second son of Lewis Orville “Bud” and Frances Etta (Clawson) Allen. He attended school in Coburg and graduated in 1937 continuing his education at the Creighton University. He was united in marriage to Anna Alm on September 5, 1941 in Stanton, Iowa. They were together for nearly 58 years until Anna’s death in 1999. Kenneth served in the Army during World War II and earned 6 medals of honor. He spent time in Alaska, France, and Germany. After returning from the war he and Anna and their daughter moved to the farm where Kenneth resided until the time of his death. Kenneth farmed in the Climax area all of his life. He was a member of the Climax United Methodist Church, the American Legion, was a Farm Bureau Board Member, served on the Walnut Cemetery Board, and at one time served as a Montgomery County Assessor for West Township. He loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and the organ.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Anna in 1999; and a son: Terry Allen in 1976.

Survivors include his son: Gary Allen and his wife Frances of Chariton, Iowa; daughter: Janice Allen of Arvada, Colorado; 3 grandchildren: Kent Allen and his wife Jessica of Ames, Iowa; Katie Hoffman and her husband Ryan of Centerville, Minnesota; and Caleb Allen of Chariton, Iowa; brother: Marion “Cotton” Allen and his wife Lois of Enid, Oklahoma; many brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10 AM Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 7-8 PM Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.