Duane Allen

Duane R. Allen, age 64, passed away April 23, 2014 surrounded by his family at home in Olathe, Kansas. Duane was born on December 3, 1949 in Yale, Iowa. He graduated from the Yale-Jamaica-Bagley High School in 1968 and received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Mid-America Nazarene University in 1981. Duane proudly served in the United States Navy from October 1968 to August 1972, sailing on two cruises to Vietnam on the U.S.S Oriskany. On June 26, 1976 he married the love of his life, Cynthia Irwin. He adored their two daughters Lindsey & Lauren. Duane was known as Pickle Allen by his Iowa hometown folks and acquired this nickname from his Grandfather O'Connell. He was called DA by is Olathe softball pals and Dad by his golfing buddies. But, Grandpa became his favorite nickname upon the birth of his grandson in September 2013.

Duane worked 41 years for the federal government. His military training prepared him for his first career as an air traffic controller. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in June 1973 until August 3rd, 1981 when as Duane liked to say, "He had a little disagreement with President Reagan" (the nationwide firing of PACTCO air traffic controllers during the 1981 strike). Duane said he loved "talking to airplanes" and thoroughly enjoyed his time working at the airport towers in Des Moines and St. Louis as well as the Regional Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe. After the strike Duane worked for the United States Department of Agriculture as a Claims Examiner for 29 years until he retired in September of 2012.

Duane was a gifted athlete, competitor and loved sports. He played semi-pro football and semi-pro baseball in Iowa during the late 70's. He was a bit of a pool shark, too, winning many competitive tournaments. Duane also enjoyed many years of fun and travel with the Pizza Shoppe, Bud Light, Olathe T-shirt & Trophy and other Kansas City area softball teams. (One of Lindsey's first words was ballpark!). In later years he enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his golfing buddies. A highlight was playing on the PGA course, Torrey Pines in California. He forged a lifetime of friendships through sports and treasured these relationships.

Duane was an easy going guy who made friends effortlessly. He had a wicked sense of humor and chose to live his life on the sunny side. He loved his country and the American Flag, watching movies and TV and he loved nothing better than visiting Iowa which he called 'God's Country'. He was a kind-hearted gentleman who faced his cancer diagnosis with grace and courage. He fiercely fought the Beast for 3½ years with a stoic resolve simply saying, "Stuff happens and it is, what it is."

Duane possessed a giving spirit and enjoyed a rich civic life. While at the USDA he was called "Mr. CFC" for his dedicated support of the Combined Federal Campaign which raises $200,000 for charities each year. He also volunteered monthly as a USDA youth mentor for 10 years helping disadvantaged kids with math and reading at the Kansas City Cristo Rey School. Duane was a proud 5 gallon blood donor and was disappointed when he could no longer donate due to health issues. In addition, he volunteered for the Wyandotte County Chapter of the American Red Cross for over 20 years helping coordinate their annual benefit golf tournament as well as installing smoke alarms in homes during annual fire prevention campaigns.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Blackbob, Olathe, KS followed by a lunch reception where the family will greet friends at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00am at the Richland Cemetery, Bagley, IA, with a reception to follow at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, Jefferson, IA.

Duane is survived by his wife Cynthia of 38 years, their daughter Lindsey and her husband Justin Springer of Los Angeles; daughter Lauren Allen of Overland Park, Kansas and one grandson Beckett Allen Springer. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Allen and Roger Allen and sisters Donita Petitt and Pam Stringer. Duane was preceded in death by his parents Dean & Maxine Allen and an infant brother. Duane was cherished by his extended family and many friends.

Memorials are suggested to Caring Bridge, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 6032, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6632, or given as a tribute gift in honor of Duane at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/duaneallen.