Obituary: James Ronald Allen
KS_Newton -- James Ronald Allen, 75, Salina, died
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, of natural causes at Salina Regional Health Center.
Mr. Allen was born on July 3, 1937, in Newton to Everett and
Mildred Allen. He was an outstanding athlete at Newton High School. After high
school, he attended and graduated from Kansas State University in 1959 and
immediately began his employment with Research Products Company, Salina, with
an eight-month pregnant wife in tow and $200 in their pocket. He retired from
the company as president/CEO after more than 43 years, at the end of 2002.
During his lifetime, he served on a number of local boards,
including Sunflower Bank, St John's Regional Health Center, Salina Regional
Health Center, Greater Salina Community Foundation, YWCA Endowment and the
Salina Country Club. During his career, he had been a member of the Kansas
Grain and Feed Assn., Assn. of Operative Miller's, Assn. of Cereal Chemists and
the North American Miller's Assn. Additionally, he was chosen to be a member of
the Salina Business Hall of Fame.
Jim was a man who never hesitated to invest when he saw
there was a need. His philanthropic efforts in Salina were legendary and will
be sorely missed. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Salina.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; wife of
42 years, Janice J. Allen; a sister, Elaine Sauerwein; and a grandson, Destry
Greer Allen.
He is survived by a son, Bart J. Allen (Theresa); two
daughters, Jennifer Allen (Kat) and Brenda Wohler, all of Salina; six
grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2013,
at First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Eighth, with the Rev. Dr. Edith Gause
officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Destry Allen Memorial Fund,
care of the Salina Education Foundation.
Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, is handling
arrangements.
1937 - 2013 (75 years)