Larry Lee Allen, 82, of Salina, passed away September 6, 2026. He was born September 25, 1943, to Edward and Betty (Ranson) Allen, in Iola, KS.

He lived in several small towns around southeast Kansas while growing up. He was able to escape a tumultuous and unpredictable childhood by joining the U.S. Navy alongside his brother, Jim Allen, at the age of 17 in 1960. He worked to achieve his GED while in the Navy. He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1964. He and Jim moved to Kansas City together to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. It was there that he met his future wife, Orena Voeltz. They were married on December 30, 1967, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, KS during a snowstorm. Their two children, Kevin and Karin, were both born while still in Kansas City. They later moved to Salina, KS in 1977 so that their kids could attend smaller schools.

Larry worked several jobs over the next 30 plus years before retiring in 2011. He worked for Landes Vending and Coca Cola before working as custodial staff for USD305 and doing maintenance for the Salina Public Library.

He enjoyed staying busy tinkering with projects and watching his grandkids sports and activities. He and Orena rarely missed an opportunity to watch them. They enjoyed every achievement and loved bragging about them. Orena had a childcare in their home and Larry loved coming home to see all the kids after work. They knew this as their second home, and he was their “Papa Larry”.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Orena (Voeltz) Allen, brothers Carl Allen and Jim Allen; sisters Vicky Jones, Gloria Watts and his parents and in-laws; and nephew Ricky Allen.

He is survived by his son Kevin Allen and daughter, Karin Clemmer (Shawn), of Salina; grandchildren, Kayleen Allen (Casey Shea) Kara Allen, Blayke Hudson (Aaron) and Seth Clemmer; and great grandson Braxton. He is also survived by one brother Richard “Bud” Jackson Sr. of Iola, sister-in-law Theda Allen, nephews Elvyn and Tracy Allen of Florida, and brother-in-law Orval Voeltz of Ellsworth and several other cousins, nieces and nephews around Kansas.

Larry declined and eventually surrendered after 6 or 7 years of battling Alzheimer’s. During that time his family and friends watched his memory and eventually his physical abilities were stolen from him. But through it all, he always knew who we were, remembered our names and told us we were loved by him and Jesus. Even on the really bad days his mood and his face changed when Braxton came to see him. His heart and love held on till the very end.

He had a strong faith in God and would still pray and quote Bible scriptures better than any of us. We are comforted knowing he is now with his wife and our Holy God. We want to express our sincere appreciation for all the staff at Arbor Court, Reflection Resort and Pinnacle Park over the past 5 years.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, with burial to follow at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, 1911 100th Ave, Ramona, KS 67475.

Memorials can be made to Infant Child Development Program in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401.