Robert G. Allen

January 26, 1936 - May 07, 2010

Robert Gene Allen, 74, of Litchfield, passed away Friday, May 7, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

Mr. Allen was born in Dongola, IL, a son of James Hiley and Ruby (Calvert) Allen. He was a graduate of Maplewood High School, Maplewood, MO, Class of 1954. He then graduated from South East Missouri State University in 1958. He began his teaching career at Edison Junior High School in Springfield, IL from 1958 until 1966 and coached 9th grade boy’s basketball. He then came to Litchfield and taught science and biology at Litchfield Junior High / Middle School until his retirement from the Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 in 1994 with 25 years of service to the District. In addition to his teaching duties Mr. Allen served as coach for 8th & 9th grade football, 7th grade boy’s basketball, and the boys track team. He was the first 8th grade girl’s basketball coach serving in that position until his retirement, and was the first girl’s varsity softball coach.

Mr. Allen attended St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Litchfield Moose Lodge #1634, and LEA-IEA. He was an avid Cardinals baseball fan. He enjoyed playing slow pitch and fast pitch softball and bowling. He enjoyed trips to Cloud Nine Ranch near Caulfield, Mo to camp and go four wheeling. Additional interests of Mr. Allen’s were singing, painting and doing art work, and watching western movies starring John Wayne.

On June 6, 1974 he married the former Patsy Ann Darrow in Cairo, IL and she survives.
Additional survivors are:

2 sons: Robert E. “Bobby” (Gina) Allen of Hillsboro
James D. “Jay” (Kari) Allen of New Lenox, IL

1 daughter: Elizabeth A. “Liz” Magno of Dublin, OH

1 brother: James H. (Judith) Allen of St. Louis, MO

3 sisters: Alberta Farndale of Louisville, KY
Linda Swinson of Desoto, MO
Nettie Sue (Steve) Hale of Louisville, KY

9 grandchildren; Robert Trent Hervey, James Trevor Hervey and Troy David Hervey, Jarred Michael Allen, Ryan Matthew Allen, Andrew G. Magno, Danielle E. Allen, Matthew C. Magno, and Luke Robert Allen.

Mr. Allen is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Information

Funeral Services for Mr. Allen will be held Wednesday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The Rev. James Tinzmann, pastor of the St. Timothy United Methodist Church will officiate. William E. Sielschott, friend and colleague will deliver the eulogy. Cremation rites will follow and interment will be at a later date in the Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Plummer’s.

Donations Information

The family suggests memorials to the Litchfield Moose Scholarship Fund or for Litchfield Middle School Athletics.