DODGE CITY- Ronald D. (Ron) Allen, 60, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 at Trinity Manor Nursing Home in Dodge City, after a brief bout with cancer. He was born on June 8, 1950 in Dodge City to Leon and Anna Mae (Winkelman) Allen and grew up on the family farm south of Dodge City.

He attended Bloom and Dodge City school, graduating from Dodge City High School. Ron graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in English and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. He married Jane Gholson on July 24, 1971 in Dodge City. In 1973, they returned to the family farm, where he raised cattle and farmed for nearly 30 years. in 2001, he was hired to manage the Pawnee Joint Watershed District to complete plans for building HorseThief Reservoir. The dream was realized in September of 2009 when the gates were closed to capture water, and the reservoir began to fill rapidly. Ron worked tirelessly to make this project happen, and felt great satisfaction with this accomplishment. He was committed to providing an opportunity for Western Kansans to enjoy outdoor recreation. He loved his job, and was constantly thinking of ways to improve his performance. His unexpected illness prevented him from attending the opening weekend at the reservoir in late June.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, and was so proud of their accomplishments. He was a friend to many, and always willing to help others in need.

He was a member of St. Cornelius Episcopal Church of Dodge City.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jane of Dodge City; three children, Joel Allen of Dodge City; Julie Tschanz and husband Kurt of Hays; and Ryan Allen of Dodge City; four grandchildren: Ethan, Emma, and Evan Tschanz of Hays, and Kayla Allen of Fowler; his parents, Leon and Anna Mae Allen of Dodge City; his brother, Randall Allen and wife Ivalah of Topeka; one niece and one nephew; and his mother-in-law, Deane Gholson of Dodge City.

Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Dennis Zimmerman and Rev. Lance Carrithers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 from noon to 8:00 PM. with the family receiving friends from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.. Memorials can be made to HorseThief Reservoir or to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.