Reverend Donald Fred Allen, 91, of Overland Park, passed away on December 15, 2019 at his home.
He was born on June 5, 1928, to Fred and Ada (Mintz) Allen in Ash, NC. He enlisted in the US Navy during World War II at the young age of 16. He spent most of his deployment aboard aircraft carriers working with the first crew of radar air traffic controllers. He served our country for over 13 years, active in both the US Navy and US Air Force.
On May 24, 1957, he married Jane Click in Denver, Co.
Don graduated from the University of Colorado in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in History. He continued his education at Central Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity. In 1964, Don began his career in ministry, serving churches in Wamego, Topeka, and Kansas City, KS prior to his retirement in 1990. Don was instrumental in starting the Police Chaplaincy in both Topeka and Kansas City, KS. During his ministry in Topeka, he served on the American Baptist Churches USA Board of International Ministries and traveled as an ambassador to churches in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
In retirement, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Olathe, Journey Community Church as well as the American Legion. He enjoyed serving as an interim area minister in Western Kansas and as an interim Pastor in Paola, KS.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Jane, his sons Gregory (Janet) Overland Park, Jeff (Sandy) Shawnee, and Virgil (Patty) Miltonvale, grandchildren Makeilee, Blake, Katy, Nicole, Sarah, Stephanie and Michael and 15 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Oscar (Mary) Allen Philadelphia, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Jimmy and Archie Allen, and sisters Eunice Matheson and Kathleen Carlisle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Baptist Churches USA International Ministries, 1003 9th Ave, Suite A, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
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