Ira Keith Allen

It is with great sadness we announce Ira Keith Allen, age 82, surrounded by loved ones, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024

Ira, also known as Keith, was born August 29, 1941, to Ira V. Allen and Roberta Allen in Mountain Grove, Mo.

Keith met Ava Richardson of Hillsdale, Kansas, and married on November 20th, 1959. Together, they had 3 children: Atha Ann Allen, Jeffrey Keith Allen, and Troy Eugene Allen.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Ira V. Allen and Roberta Allen, and their son, Jeffrey Keith Allen, who passed away at 12 years old from an accident. As well as a brother, Lyle Allen of California and sister, Barbara Wright.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ava Allen; his Children, Atha and Gary Gerken of Paola, Kansas, and Troy and Angie Allen of Paola, Kansas; his eight Grandchildren and their spouses and his 26 Great-Grandchildren.

He wanted to provide for his family, and he did more than just that; he spoiled them. His wife, Ava, was the dreamer of the family, and she would often come up with elaborate plans for their vacations or buying an RV or some other animal. Although some of these plans would fall through, they created memories that would last forever. He loved God with all his heart. He was loyal, hardworking, and knew when to have fun. He left something on this earth that will outlast any home or project he ever worked on - his faith in Jesus that he passed down to his loved ones. He often talked about how he couldn't wait to reunite with his son Jeff in Heaven. We can only imagine the first conversation between Keith and Jeff in heaven, where they are now worshiping God together.

We will miss Keith terribly, but we are not people who mourn without hope. We know because of the blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be reunited with him in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Living Proof Church-Youth c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

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