Lawrence E. "Buck" Allen

Mr. Lawrence E. Buck Allen Jr., age 74, of Niota, Illinois passed away Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 12:52 A.M. at his home.

He was born January 21, 1933 in Blandinsville, Illinois, the son of Lawrence E. and Iona Bixler Allen. He married Norma Jean Jeannie Seigfried on September 8, 1951 in Blandinsville. She preceded him in death on October 26, 1979. He married Donna Rudd on October 12, 1985 at Niota. She survives.

He worked at the Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant in Middletown, Iowa for 44 years retiring in 1995. He enjoyed gardening, cars, racing and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, 3 daughters, Diane (Steve) Menke of Dallas City, Illinois, Tammy (Don) Bunnell of Hamilton, Illinois and Lisa Thomas of Crystal Lake, Illinois, 2 sons, Bradley (Dee) Allen and Bryan (Denise) Allen all of Niota, 1 step-daughter, Kathi Berry of Salem, Iowa, 2 step-sons, Kenny (Chris) Sylvester of Salem, Iowa and John (Catalina) Berry of Burlington, Iowa, 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Evelyn Hainline of Blandinsville and Arlene Simpson of Tempe, Arizona, 5 brothers, Murry (Mary Lou) Allen of Macomb, Illinois, Jeri (Carol) Allen of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jack (Diane) Allen of Reno, Nevada, Macks Allen and Carl (Lynn) Allen all of Blandinsville and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at the Appanoose Cemetery near Niota. Friends may call after 3:00 P.M. Monday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., Monday. A memorial fund has been established for the Blessing Hospice of Hancock County or the American Diabetes Association.