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Richard's Register Book            Back to Obituaries

Richard Lee Allen was born on January 25, 1935, to Orval and Margaret (Dithmer) Allen at his Grandma Lillian Dithmer’s house in Kadoka, South Dakota. Richard grew up on the Allen farm northeast of Long Valley, South Dakota and attended Harding School at Long Valley.

Richard farmed for his Uncle Wayne Allen and Donald Handcock in his early years, both before and after serving in the United States Army, which he joined in January, 1958. He was discharged in January, 1960 but remained in the Reserves and was called back to serve the Army again from January, 1962 until August, 1962.

After he was discharged, Richard worked in Kadoka with Orval, who owned the Mobil Service Station, at the John Deere dealer and at Jeff’s Husky Truck Stop.

Beginning in 1970, Richard delivered mail on several rural mail routes between Kadoka and Martin until 1993, when he was forced to quit because of failing eyesight. Richard was well-known in the rural communities where he delivered mail, especially in Martin where he spent six afternoons a week between mail routes. Richard drove over 1.5 million miles delivering mail. Richard also farmed with his dad until Orval’s death.

Richard was a skilled mechanic and loved tinkering on old vehicles. He also loved fishing and visiting – some people say Richard never met a stranger. Richard was actively involved in the Badlands Lion’s Club and in the district, including two terms as Club President and a South Dakota Lion’s Foundation board member. Richard also received numerous commendations in the Lion’s Club, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award and Lion of the Year in 1988. At the time of his death, Richard was zone chairperson and local diabetic chairperson.

Richard is survived by his sister, Betty Lou Stratton and her husband Joe of Kadoka; a nephew Dick Stratton of Tekamah, Nebraska; two nieces Cynde Stoakes and her husband Dennis of Sioux Falls, and Rose Ann Wendell and her husband Greg of Pierre; a great-niece Anna Stoakes of Sioux Falls; a great- nephew Preston Stoakes of Sioux Falls; a special friend Lois Lurz of Hot Springs and her children Bill Patterson, Barb Plooster, Troy Lurz and Joe Lurz.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard died Friday, May 16, 2003 at the V.A. Black Hills Health Care System in Ft. Meade.

Visitation was Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka and 1 hour before the services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral services for Richard Lee Allen, age 68, of Kadoka were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka with Elder Ardeth Kocourek officiating.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post 27 of Kadoka was at the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

Elder Ardeth Kocourek

Joyce Wheeler – Piano Prelude/Postlude

Joyce Wheeler - Guitarist

Joyce Wheeler & Lyndy Ireland - Vocal Duet

Fritz Arment - Roger Neiffer

Troy Lurz - Joe Lurz

Monte Whidby - Matt Whidby

Paul McConnell - Tom Plooster

All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka

Kadoka Cemetery

Kadoka, South Dakota

Richard's Register Book            Back to Obituaries