Joseph Ellis Allen

Joseph Ellis Allen, CLU, passed away peacefully July 10, 2015, in Overland Park, KS, holding hands with his wife, Karren Sue, and surrounded by family.

Joe was born in Leavenworth, KS where his family owned a dairy. He graduated from Rosedale High School, received his bachelor's degree from Baker University in Baldwin, KS, and attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Law.

Joe was one of the most successful and highly admired life insurance professionals in Kansas City. He was a Chartered Life Underwriter, member of the Million Dollar Roundtable for 35 years, member of Court of the Table, and achieved the highest recognition possible as a member of Top of the Table. He was often a man ahead of his time in that he could conceive new ways to harness the value of life insurance that would meet the changing needs of the market, and of his clients. The Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance Company recognized him in 1998 with The Hamilton Award for his innovation, integrity and loyalty.

Joe was, however, considerably more than an innovative, successful life insurance and financial services professional. He was, among many other things, a private pilot, flying a Cherokee Lance, 300 hp, single engine, 6-passenger aircraft to adventurous destinations, both near and far, accompanied by his intrepid co-pilot in the air, and in life, his loving wife, Karren Sue. He was a gourmet cook, a baker of fresh bread, a gardener extraordinaire, an avid reader, a gifted photographer, and a prolific fundraiser. Joe loved adventure, travel, experiencing new things, new places, and new people. He loved to entertain and did so with tremendous enthusiasm and finesse. He loved kids, and puppies, and always lived with an eye out for any spontaneous opportunity. He was a walking, talking, living epitome of carpe diem, and was as optimistic a person as you would ever hope to meet.

But perhaps most importantly, Joe was a mentor. He touched people's lives in ways that changed their lives forever, and for the best. He saw the potential in so many, and invested all the time he could to help them see it in themselves.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agneta Allen, his brother, Philip; and sister, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Karren Allen, of the home; his sons Steve, Dan, Joe (Mary), and Andrew, all of Overland Park; his brother, Rex, of Sunrise Beach, MO; a grandson, Brian Allen, of Virginia Beach, VA; a granddaughter, Zoe Allen, of Overland Park; a great granddaughter, Mabel Allen, of Virginia Beach, VA; nieces Melinda Unger (Allan), and Martha Friedrich (Terry); and a great niece, Ginny Friedrich and other extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 18, at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720, Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS, followed by a reception at the church. Please visit www.Penwellgabelolathe.com for additional service information. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Ozanam, American Cancer Society, or Matthew's Ministry, in care of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.