Kenneth R. Allison

Kenneth Ralph Allison, 87, of Mansfield, Arkansas passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 in a Fort Smith hospital. Ken was a Russian and Vietnamese linguist, retired Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and veteran of the Vietnam War. Additionally, he graduated Valedictorian with degrees in Russian Language and International Relations from Syracuse University in New York State. Following his retirement from a 23 year military career, Ken worked for Westinghouse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the 1980’s.

His hobbies following retirement included knife making, discussing politics and enjoying trips to Florida beaches with his wife, Barbara. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gave him great joy and satisfaction. He was immensely proud of over 100 years of military duty served by multiple generations of his family.

The family will hold a memorial service with full military honors at a later date. He will be interred in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Cremation will take place under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Byers Allison; his daughter, Terri Nichols and her husband, Donald L. of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Kenneth G. Allison and his wife, Kathleen of Seattle, Washington; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Nichols Woods (Brandon); Claire Allison (Adam), Brett Allison (Christopher) and Sabrina Allison Olson (Taven) and six great grandchildren; Brady, Henry and Oliver Woods, and Wesley, Rogan and River Olson.