Born on December 27, 1937, in
Clyde, Kansas, DeWayne was one of Emory and Belmae (LeBarge) Dallen's seven children. DeWayne passed away on August 17, 2023 at the age of 85.
DeWayne's younger years were spent on the farm where he did farm chores before and after school. He often joked that he was born early in the morning so he could milk the cows.
DeWayne graduated from Concordia High School in Kansas in 1955. After graduation, he worked on a ranch in Colorado and soon enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in Thule, Greenland.
While stationed at Schilling Airforce Base in
Salina, Kansas, he was introduced to Sondra Lowe who was studying at Brown Mackie College. When he found out Sondra was also from Concordia, he offered her rides home on the weekends. DeWayne and Sondra married on March 13, 1960. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Together they had 3 children: Jeff, Linda and Greg.
DeWayne worked 18 years in the grocery business, receiving awards for top salesman. DeWayne owned and operated Dallen Truckline. DeWayne retired from Overnite Transportation after working 18 years as an OTR driver.
DeWayne enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and golfing, taking trips in retirement, square dancing, playing the guitar and watching the Grand Ole Opry. Later he wrote many poems with "A Tribute to Marie" being published. He served as President of the Jaycee's of
Salina, Kansas. He loved his family.
DeWayne is survived by his Wife: Sondra, two Sons: Jeff Dallen, Greg Dallen and his wife Allison. One Daughter: Linda Bender and her husband Phillip. Seven Grandchildren: Andrew Bender and his wife Alex, Nathan Bender and his wife Lauren, Lucas Dallen, Joshua Dallen, Zachary Dallen, Michael Wilson and his wife Sara, Ryan Wilson and his wife Emma. Three Great Grandchildren: Molly Bender, Madelyn Bender and Finn Bender. One Brother: Farrell Dallen and his wife Mary Frances and numerous nieces and nephews.
DeWayne is preceded in death by his Parents: Emory and Belmae Dallen, Sisters: Marie Folsom, Yvonne Klepper, Anna Lea Cherney, Janie Girard, and Doris Bergstrom and one grandson: Matthew Dallen.
The family wishes to thank Prairie House and Season Hospice Staffs for the love and care given to Dewayne the past 3 months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse.