Allen King

Allen King, 100, of New Castle, died Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the Addison Place. He was born in Connersville to Frank and Blanche (Turner) King on April 7, 1923. He is survived by a nephew, James Wilch, nieces Mary Miller and Janet Feldman, great nieces and nephews, Franey Miller, Caleb Miller Jr., Henry Feldman, and Alice Feldman, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Sylvia Strieby and Mary Alice Wilch.

He graduated from Burris High School in 1941 and attended Purdue University, Louisiana State University, Indiana University and received degrees from the University of Chicago in 1946 and 1948. He taught math and science in Daleville, Talas, Turkey and in New Castle before retiring in 1985. While teaching, he organized the Jr. High Science Club, helped start the foreign student program in New Castle and co-founded the Raintree Camera Club. He led student groups on trips to Indiana State Parks, on month long camping trips throughout the western United States and two European trips. During a leave of absence in 1964, Allen went westward around the world. He tried to spend a month in each major country, sometimes staying with families and visiting schools and points of interest to learn the culture of each place.

Allen was a member of the Indiana Audubon Society, Art Assn. of Henry County, College Club, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Raintree Camera Club and Boy Scouts where he earned Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver awards. He was Scoutmaster of troops in Chicago, Daleville, Turkey and New Castle. He served in the Army Engineers during World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines.

Allen was a photographer of the outdoors, winning a National Park competition as well as other state and local awards. After retirement, he attended 140 Elderhostel programs in 48 states and a dozen archaeological digs with the U.S. Forest Service. With a local group of backpackers, he made 14 trips into the Grand Canyon as well as to other locales in the west. River rafting, canoeing, ice skating and nature walks were other passions.

On a more personal note, Allen was a friend to many. If you were lucky enough to have him as a troop leader, a teacher, or a friend, your life was enriched with the knowledge he so eagerly shared. Allen touched generations of students and parents with his extraordinary teaching and Boy Scout work. He showed us all how to live a purposeful life filled with insatiable curiosity and love for nature and humanity.

Allen's creed for life was: Make young friends and never lose your curiosity about your surroundings.

As Allen requested, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Please direct memorial contributions to Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, 3499 S. Bird Sanctuary Rd., Connersville, IN 47331, Red Tail Land Conservancy at www.fortheland.org, The Henry County Community Foundation at www.hccf.org, or Theracare Hospice, 9957 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038. You may share condolences and memories of Allen at www. hinsey-brown.com.