David S. Allen

David S. Allen, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 11, 2023. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 1:00 p.m. with a time of fellowship to follow until 4:00 p.m. at Lenexa United Methodist Church, 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, KS 66215.

David was born on June 21, 1943, to Rose Ina (Horning) Allen and Edmund Allen of Independence, MO. He graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, earning a BA degree in education. He became an elementary school teacher in Hawaii, and he then served in the U.S. Navy in Honolulu, HI from 1969 to 1972 with commendations. After an honorable discharge, he devoted his near forty-year career to service as a Commissioned Professional Scouter for the Boy Scouts of America in six different councils. He began his career organizing camping and troop activities in Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa for the Aloha Council. He then helped lead various camping organizations at Boy Scout camps across the Midwest. He served as a Directing Medicine Man for the Tribe of Mic-O-Say in Camp Geiger, St. Joseph, MO (1980-1986), Tribe of Manhawka in Wichita, KS (1987-1989), Tribe of Nani-Ba-Zhu in Omaha, NE (1990-1992), Tribe of Golden Eagle in Salina, KS (1992-2001), and became a Chieftain within the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO in 2007. His work on staff for the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation spanned three decades from youth to adulthood, including ten years as the Reservation Director. In addition, he had the privilege of working on staff for over thirty National Camp Schools, three National Scout Jamborees, and Wood Badge training. His work in the Boy Scouts of America was recognized with the William T. Hornady Gold Award, Silver Beaver Award, Venturing Powder Horn, and the Vigil Honor and Founder’s Award within the Order of the Arrow. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of being a veteran, teacher, Eagle Scout, husband, and just another tribesman.

David’s experience in the Boy Scouts of America led him to take up woodworking, leatherwork, beadwork, and several other handicraft skills. He was known to spend much of his time making leather and bead art, golfing, reading, and watching the sunset over Truman Lake with his wife.

David is survived by his wife, Christy Allen; sister, Becky Bailey (James); son, Kaleo Takatsuka; step-son, Caleb Hall (Nicole Niehues); niece, Angela Coffman (Darren); nephew, Aaron Bailey (Erica); and eight grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation Staff College Scholarship Committee through Heart of America Council, c/o David Allen Memorial 10210 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Allen family.