Paul L. Allen, age 81, of Charleston, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at his residence.

Funeral services honoring his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Mattoon with Military Rites by the Charleston V.F.W. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Paul was born January 29, 1925, at Cairo, Illinois, a son of Elbert Washington and Effie Clutts Allen.

He married Pauline Bailey August 3, 1942 at St. Charles, Missouri, she preceded him in death January 11, 1999.

He later married Irma Waggoner October 20, 2001 at Charleston, Illinois, she survives.

Also surviving are his daughters, Rosemary (John) Frank of Bushnell, Illinois, Anne (Gary) Wilson of Smithfield, Illinois, Karen (David) Brown of Farmer City, Illinois, Jenness (John) Drummond of Charleston, Illinois; step-sons, Curtis (Jodi) Swierk of Marion, Iowa, Cliff (Debra) Swierk of Hollow Rock, Tennessee, Mike (Paula) Swierk of Oxford, Indiana, Pat (Allison) Swierk of Lyons, Illinois and Jerry (Susan) Swierk of Darion, Illinois.

He also leaves step-daughters, Mary (David) Bobor of Orland Park, Illinois Iona (Mike) Millay of Tinley Park, Illinois; a sister, Betty Thornton of Jerseyville, Illinois; Seven grandchildren, twenty-three step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and seventeen step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, one brother and two sisters.

Mr. Allen was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the V.F.W. of Bushnell and Charleston. He was a retired employee of Eastern Illinois University. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing and spending time with his family.