Kenneth Roger 'Ken' Allison
November 18, 1939 - September 23, 2023
Kenneth (Ken) Roger Allison died peacefully in Mansfield, TX on September 23, 2023, at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his daughters.
Ken is survived by his children Leasa Berg (Blair), Kevin Allison, Kimberly Berg (Delbert), Melissa Fuchs (Perry), Lisa Purcell and Michelle Schmidt (Mark) and sisters Carolyn Richardson and Nancy Pizano.
He is preceded in death by his parents Horton and Myrtle Allison, beloved wife Mary Allison, brothers Larry and Loren Allison, sister Lois Bryant, and sons Gary and Mark Purcell.
Ken was born on November 18, 1939, in Manhattan, KS. He married his first wife, Luella (Linn) Farris, in 1960 and they lived in Kinsley, Kansas. During this time, they had four children: Leasa, Kevin, Kimberly and Melissa. Ken married his second wife, Mary Holliday, in 1973 where he lovingly added four children: Mark, Gary, Lisa and Michelle. Altogether, Ken was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Ken loved all his children unequivocally and enjoyed nothing more than when they would visit. He enjoyed spending countless hours on facetime where he always took joy in hearing about what was going on in everyone’s lives.
Ken was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather. He received an infinite amount of joy when he was surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which was apparent in his beautiful smile. He experienced great delight in watching his grandchildren drive the go-cart, showing them the art of woodworking in his shed, and giving (and receiving) his well-known and much anticipated “Grandpa Allison” hugs.
Much of Ken’s life was spent in Kansas, during which time he was a member of the National Guard and a member of the Masons. He worked numerous jobs throughout his life, retiring from the Kansas State penitentiary after 20 years of service. Ken and Mary loved to travel to visit family, they also loved fishing together.
Following the passing of his wife Mary, Ken moved to Texas in 2013 to be closer to his daughter, Melissa Fuchs. These last ten years afforded Ken the opportunity to build a new connection with Linn and their four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. During this time Ken always loved to sit around, enjoy a piece of chocolate, reminisce about his life in Kansas and tell some exciting stories of his time growing up.
Ken will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Mary Allison, in Oberlin, KS. The funeral is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin, KS. Lunch will be served after the funeral for the family. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and celebrate Ken’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind.
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