Delbert Ray Allen

Delbert Ray Allen, 81, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at his home in Laclede. Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, Dec. 20th in the Laclede Community Church. Pastor Dan Moore will be officiating. Delbert was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska on Sept. 24, 1927 where he grew up and attended school. He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17, at the close of WW II. He served two tours of duty during the occupation of Japan. He worked for the Hines Lumber Company in Burns, Oregon and followed construction work in the West. He later worked for the Bureau of Land Management, in the Humboldt National Forest, in California. He managed and did maintenance work in the recreational areas of the Humboldt National Forest. He retired from the BLM in 1980 and moved to Laclede, Idaho. He was married to Grace Louise Allen and she preceded him in death in 1987. He worked as a security Guard for Riley Creek Lumber Company for 4 years and married Betty Allen on Aug. 21, 1988 in Silverton, OR. He was a member of the Laclede Community Church, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Portland, OR; and a longtime Grange member. He was active in the Priest River Food Bank, and always willing to help those in need. He is survived by his wife Betty Allen of Laclede, ID; 6 children Charlotte Messinger of Tigard, OR; George Allen of Port Orchard, WA; Delphene Kay Smith of Wasilla, AK; Lois Anne Courter of Rifle, CO; Sherri Priore of Walla Walla, WA; and Jeanette Ilene Haun of Deer Trail, CO. He is also survived by 9 Grandchildren, 9 Great-Grandchildren, one sister Marian Wegoner of Hastings, NE and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife Grace, 3 brothers, 1 sister and his baby daughter Alba Ray. Memorials may be made to the Priest River Food Bank, in care of Karla Hatfield, 1047 Peninsula Road, Priest River, Idaho 83856 in memory of Delbert Allen.