Robert A. "Bob" Allen

He was born on July 9, 1934, in Kansas, IL, the son of Richard and Lelah (Anderson) Allen. Bob married Joy Dawson on August 21, 1956 in Terre Haute, IN and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2011. He later married Carolyn Willenburg on July 1, 2013, at Washington Park in Springfield.

Bob graduated from Kansas High School with the class of 1952. He then attended both Eastern Illinois University and U of I Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his master’s degree. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He went on to work for the Illinois State Museum, and as a science teacher in Vandalia. Once Bob moved to Springfield, he taught at Washington, Franklin, and Lanphier high schools. In 1992, he retired as school counselor. He was a faithful member of Sugar Creek United Methodist Church and the Elks Club, and was a former Cub Scout Master. Bob enjoyed horses, fishing, camping, and boating, and listening to polka music. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois basketball and football, and Nascar fan. He was a gentle soul who loved his family and any animal with four legs.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn Allen of Springfield; sons, Craig Allen of Tulsa, OK, Kirk Allen (Kerry) of Kansas, IL, and Matthew Allen of Naperville, IL; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Mark, and Gregory Allen.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, followed by a Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. A Graveside Ceremony will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Fairview Cemetery in Kansas, IL, where military honors will be conducted by the Coral Hall Post 539 Kansas American Legion and the United States Army Burial Detail.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.