Robert William Allen

Robert William Allen, 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at Alegent Midlands Hospital in Papillion, Nebraska, following a short, unexpected illness. He was born July 20, 1938, at Cozad, Nebraska to Clayton Robert and Henrietta (Fikenscher) Allen. Robert attended school at Cozad and entered the United States Marine Corps right out of school. He served his Country from July 27, 1955 to May 5, 1961, being honorably discharged as a Corporal. Upon his return from the military, he was united in marriage to Susan G. Strohmyer on October 10, 1962, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Three children were blessed to this union; Tracy, Charlene and Chad. Robert was a Welder by trade and worked for Nebraska Natural Gas for 13 years and Sperry New Holland for 10 years. His health forced him in to early retirement. Robert was a foster parent to 265 foster children. He enjoyed teaching ballroom dancing through Central Community College and riding with the Plum Creekers. He worked as a volunteer at the Heartland Military Museum. He enjoyed being with his family and working in his yard the most. He loved doing anything outdoors. He enjoyed camping, and shining up his “pride and joy”, his jeep. When his boys were young, he helped coach baseball and soccer. Bob was well known around Lexington for the sparkle in his eyes and the kind smile he so freely gave to everyone. He was also the Nebraska Cornhuskers #1 Fan!!! Robert was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and a past member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife: Susan Allen of Lexington, Nebraska Sons: Tracy (Laura) Allen of Apple Valley, California Chad (Lesley) Allen of Kansas City, Missouri One daughter: Charlene Allen of Lexington, Nebraska Two grandchildren: JuliaAnn Grace and Robert Allen of Apple Valley, California Four Brothers: Clyde (Jan) Allen of Lincoln, Nebraska Morlan (Judy) Allen of San Dimas, California Dennis (Barb) Allen of Littleton, Colorado Larry (Lorrie) Allen of Cozad, Nebraska Two sisters: Nancy Church of Houston, Texas Carolyn Lenz of Cozad, Nebraska Robert was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Taylor and Riley Allen. The family has honored Robert’s wishes that his body be cremated. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington, Nebraska with Military Honors at the Chapel. The family requests everyone wear their “Husker Red” for the service. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Heartland Military Museum in Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of condolence or remembrances may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.