Topeka – Richard Lee Allen, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at his home in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on August 3, 1938, in Lane, Kansas, the son of Marshall and Minnie (Johnson) Allen.
Richard had grown up in Lane and Princeton and then moved to Ottawa, where he graduated from Ottawa High School in 1956. He had lived most of his life in the Topeka community and lived a few years near Vassar.
Richard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Emporia State University and then his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Washburn University. He spent over 35 years in education, teaching in the Topeka School District for a time, then moving to the Shawnee Heights School District. He was a teacher, then Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent until his retirement. Richard was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, was a member of the Kiwanis, volunteered with VIPS as a part of the Topeka Police Department and also volunteered at Stormont-Vail Hospital.
On September 7, 1958, Richard was united in marriage to Mary Pahlman in Ottawa, Kansas. To this union a son was born, Todd.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Minnie; by his brother, Robert Allen; and a sister, Marcia Hammond.
Richard is survived by his wife Mary of 66 years; his son, Todd (Nicole) Allen of Topeka; and his two grandchildren, Wyatt Allen and Reagan Allen.
Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Richard’s ashes will be inurned at the Vassar Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.
