CHARLES W. ALLEN

Charles W. Allen, 79, died at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas, July 7, 2014. He was born September 18, 1934, to Charles and Kathryn Allen at the home of his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. E.M. Johnson in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

On July 22, 1956 he married Betty Winkley at Coats, Kansas. Charles was a graduate of Coats High School and Kansas State University. He managed the Co-op Elevator at Bazine, Kansas, and worked for the Dodge City Co-Op for 25 years. In retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling and working with the RV Volunteers in Mission Team of the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of Hutchinson; daughter Cheryl Rein and husband Steve of Bazine; son Craig Allen and wife Janet of Overland Park; twin sister, Charlene (Kathy) McFarland and husband Ed of Azle, Texas; sister, Louise Jasperson and husband Ed of Georgetown, Texas, sister, Doris Norris of Lake Oswego, Oregon; and sister-in-law Ann Sather and husband Howard of Sun City West, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Leiker and husband Matt of Hays, Brian Ellis and wife Natalie of Emporia, Chase and Colton Rein of Bazine, Alyssa, Emily, and Jacob Allen of Overland Park; and three great grandchildren, Alana, Alex, and Julia Leiker of Hays.

He was preceded in death were his parents, step-mother Nettye Allen, sisters Bernice Coe and Mary Hamilton.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at Wesley Towers Evans Chapel, 3709 Asbury Place from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday, July 9, and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Dodge City First United Methodist Church, 210 Soule at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to VIM in care of the Dodge City First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Reno County. Swaim Funeral Home of Dodge City is in charge of arrangements. Thoughts and memories may be shared on the online guest book at swaimfuneralhome.com.