Larry Allen Obituary

Larry Wilburt Allen Sr. was born on February 7, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Thomas Allen and Helen Rowland. He graduated from Tech High School in Des Moines and proudly served in the United States Air Force in Bedfordshire, England. Following his military service, Larry pursued his studies at Grandview College for approximately two years.

In 1965, Larry and Joan A. Sealy met in England, got engaged, and in 1966 was married in Des Moines, IA, for 15 years. Together, they welcomed a son, Larry Wilburt Allen Jr. Larry found great joy in spending time with his family and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. He had a diverse career, working at both Armstrong and John Deere, where he showcased his skills as a jack of all trades.

Larry had a deep passion for sports, often enjoying rounds of golf with his Aunt Cecil and her husband, Homer Lewis, who gifted him his wooden golf clubs. He also had a remarkable interest in boxing during his younger years at West Side Boxing, and he maintained an active lifestyle through running and weightlifting. His love for cars was evident in his pride for his 1962 supercharged Corvette, which he enjoyed taking drag racing.

Beyond his personal interests, Larry dedicated time to his community, volunteering with a youth group on Woodland Avenue, where he once owned and remodeled his first home. He was a past member of St. Paul AME Church, and he loved reading the bible whenever possible.

Larry passed away on January 19, 2026, at the age of 81. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Larry Wilburt Allen Jr.; his mother, Helen Allen-Wright; his father, Thomas Allen; his siblings, Ed Tom Allen, Cecilia "Susie" Hald, and Clifford Allen; his aunt, Cecil Lewis; and his cousin, Billy Caswell.

He is survived by his cousins, Francis Morrison, Johnny Caswell, Rudy Rowland, Marjorie Goolsby, and Martha Farley; his niece, Tracie Allen; his ex-wife and friend, Joan A. Morris; and a host of extended family members and many friends who will remember him fondly.

Larry Wilburt Allen Sr. leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication to family, and a zest for life that will be cherished by all who knew him.