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Keith E. AllenPassing: December 7, 2022

Service:

Old Union United Methodist Cemetery

Graveside Service

Friday, September 22nd @ 1:00pm

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

Old Union United Methodist Cemetery

Friday, September 22nd

Keith E. Allen

January 26, 1947 – December 7, 2022

With the same humor and unconditional love he exhibited throughout his rich and well-lived 75 years, Keith E. Allen passed away peacefully at his home in Mitchell, surrounded by the women who were blessed to call him a husband and a father.

Keith was born January 26, 1947, in Massena, N.Y., to Roy Joseph Allen and Marjorie Elizabeth (Bough) Allen. He grew up in Massena, where the stories of his antics, exploits and adventures became family lore. He was well loved by his sisters, Sheila, Darlene and Sharon, who were almost ceremoniously and unmercifully teased and pranked by their brother.

He graduated from Massena Central High School in 1966. He was almost immediately drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his beloved country from 1966-1968. Throughout those two years he was stationed in South Korea, Fort Jackson and Fort Knox. In Fort Knox, he served on Honor Guard duty, escorting his brothers home after they gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Keith proudly displayed the American flag for the next five decades. He was a member of the American Legion Post 250 in Mitchell.

On April 9, 1977, he began writing one of the most beautiful love stories of all time when he married Virginia Kay Arquette. She first caught his eye when she babysat for his sister’s children, but it would be several more years before she would steal his heart. Together, they spent more than 45 years on the greatest of adventures as they traveled, rode motorcycles, hunted together, enjoyed many forms of outdoor recreation and raised their family. They taught their children the importance of love, hard work, humor, and family values. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew they were loved every single day because he showed it and said it. His last words were, “I love you.”

He retired after 30 years from GM in Bedford and was a member of UAW Local 440. His career took him from Massena, N.Y., to Southern Indiana. After his retirement, he and Ginger spent 18 years in Auburndale, Florida, before moving back to Indiana to be closer to their children last year. He loved the Florida sunshine and ability to play golf year-round.

Humor and love are the legacies Keith left behind. No one was given a pass from his jokes, especially not his grandchildren. And you couldn’t help but love him because he loved fiercely. Affection was expected, love was freely given, and even in his final hours, he found the energy to make his family laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ginger Allen of Mitchell, as well as four daughters: Terri (Pete) Pfister of Garner, N.C.; Daniele Bohlman of Bedford; Tami Herko of Clayton, N.C.; and Krystal (Henry) Shetler of Mitchell. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Mitchell Pfister, Kyle Pfister, Bradley Herko, Anitra Bohlman, Colin Bohlman, Jacob Slaten, Lucas Slaten, Alex Slaten, Emery Shetler, Alainah Allen and Mason Allen. He loved his great-grandsons, Gabriel Amezqua and Conner Bohlman. He got to meet Conner for the first time just before he passed. He is survived by the sisters he adored: Sharon Loftis of Malvern, Arkansas, Sheila Rush of Orleans, and Darlene Hunold of Fulton, N.Y., as well as a daughter-in-law, Amy Allen of Brownsburg.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law, a son-in-law, Joey Bohlman, and his beloved and only son, Corey Joseph Allen, who undoubtedly welcomed his father to heaven, making the transition easier.

Cremation was chosen, and a graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, at Old Union United Methodist Cemetery near Orangeville.

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center has been entrusted with arrangements.

A special thanks goes out to Southern Care Hospice, and its team led by the father of three of his grandsons, Jeremy Slaten. The care exhibited to Keith and his family in his final hours made his transition to the next life peaceful. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Southern Care Bloomington, 1923 S. Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN, 47403, where the money will be used to provide extraordinary care to patients and their families.

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10 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Danny & Sharron Cousineau | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 13, 2022
    Sending prayers and condolences. Rest peacefully Keith.
  2. Guest: Mile Sedlock | Bancroft, MI
    Date: December 12, 2022
    Rest In Peace dear cousin. I just learned of your passing and you will be surely missed. I will remember, as I do now, all the good times we had together. God Bless.
  3. Guest: Sharon Allen Loftis | Malvern, Arkansas
    Date: December 10, 2022
    To Ginger and the rest of my family. My heart is broken. Words can’t covey what is going on in my heart and brain. I loved my brother dearly and I can’t wrap my arms around that he is gone.I’ll miss him forever, the phone calls, the visits, the jokes and tricks he pulled on me. I know he’s met Jesus and was welcomed by his precious Corey and “ the guys”. Sending prayers for all of you that Jesus will send his healing Angels to our hearts. 💔
  4. Guest: Jerena & Mike Bowling | Mitchell, In
    Date: December 9, 2022
    We are sorry for your loss. We love you Aunt Kryssy
  5. Guest: Sarah Ratliff | Orleans
    Date: December 9, 2022
    Ginger and family, so sorry to hear about Keith. You two had a wonderful life together. Praying for all of you. Hugs! Lonnie and Sarah Ratliff
  6. Guest: Tina Colbert | Pensacola, FL
    Date: December 9, 2022
    Uncle Keith, you will be so missed. An amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother. My uncle and aunt always brought the laughter when they walked into a room. I’m going to miss his laugh and teasing, but I know I will catch a glimpse of him every now and again through my cousins. Aunt Ginger, your love was one of the strongest bonds I have ever witnessed, and always admired. My heart breaks for you all. Love you all so much.
  7. Guest: Matthew Loftis | Malvern
    Date: December 9, 2022
    I love and will greatly miss u Uncle Keith. Say hi to my dad, grandparents.
  8. Guest: Bernie & Shirley Layo | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 9, 2022
    Ginger & family, Bernie & I were saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. I know you & the family have wonderful & funny memories of him. He was a good man & touched many people showing his love for his family & all who knew him. Our prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Keith.
  9. Guest: Crystal Goins | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 9, 2022
    I am sorry I never had the chance to meet this man, but I have seen his influence on his family members I have the privilege of knowing. I am so sorry for your loss and pray the Lord’s peace and good memories to comfort you in the days ahead.
  10. Guest: Cody Wyatt | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: December 9, 2022
    Keith was a great man. I’m a friend of Jacob Slaten. When I first met Keith, he welcomed me in like he knew me for years. Anytime I would see him at birthdays and or the 4th of July party he was always be smiling and laughing with all of his friends and family. You could tell he loved each and everyone of his grandkids kids and wife!