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Ralph William Allen
1934 - 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ralph Allen Obituary
July 22, 1934 - November 10, 2025
Ralph William Allen, 91, of Delavan passed away November 10, 2025 in Lincoln, IL.
Ralph William Allen was born July 22, 1934, the son of Theodore Raymond and Lurena Perrine Allen. He has a sister Margaret Allen Wolf. He was preceded in death by his brother James Theodore, brother-in-law George Wolf, and granddaughter-in-law Margaret Allen Rose Jett.
Ralph was baptized in Delavan First Presbyterian Church and grew up north of Delavan on Toboggan Avenue. He attended Meixsell Grade School, Delavan Community High School, and University of Illinois.
He served in the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War and in the Marine Corps Reserve for 22 years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a decorated Marine earning the Good Conduct Medal and graduated from U.S. Army ranger school.
On July 26, 1958, Ralph married Mary Blanche Short, daughter of Earl Nelson and Opha Catterlin Short at the Wapella Christian Church and she survives. Mary was raised on a farm between Wapella and Heyworth, along with a brother Herbert and a sister Helen. Mary received a teacher's certificate at Illinois State Normal University and taught in the Delavan schools system for four years. In 1964 they built a house on Hackney Lane and have lived there since.
Ralph William and Mary Blanche were blessed with a large family including five sons, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Ralph farmed for over 45 years in Tazewell, Mason, Menard, and Logan Counties raising corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and beef cattle. In the winter months of the 1970s he unloaded barges at Cargill – Cargo Carriers Inc. in Pekin, Illinois. He would also cut and haul timber to sell to the mill.
Ralph served on the First Presbyterian Church session, TALOMA Farmers Grain board, the American Legion Post 382, and he and Mary were awarded Honorary Chapter Farmer Degrees by the Delavan FFA.
His funeral will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Delavan First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday and from 9:00 to 9:45 AM, both at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.
Memorial Events
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Allen
1 Entry
Fern Ensminger Noth
Yesterday
Mary Blanche.. Sincere sympathy to you and your Family..May God give you comfort and strength during this time of sadness. I remember you and Helen from the "Youth get togethers" of the Wapella-Heyworth-LeRoy-Clinton Christian churches in our high school days. I now live in Tavernier Florida. With Love and prayers... Fern Ensminger Noth
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