Richard W. Allen

Richard W. Allen, 83, passed away on April 25, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, leaving behind a life shaped by quiet generosity, steady devotion, and a deep, unhurried curiosity about the world.

He was born on March 7, 1943, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Fred William and Ruth Elizabeth (Brinton) Allen. From them he inherited a gentle spirit, a practical mind, and the kind of humility that never sought attention but earned respect naturally.

Richard met his future wife, Millie Propheter, in Elwood, KS, where a mutual friend introduced them. What began as a simple conversation—Millie later said she was struck by his calm smile and steady presence—grew into a bond marked by ease, humor, and a shared sense of loyalty. They married on August 6, 1965, in Gower, and spent more than sixty years side by side, moving through life as true partners.

Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in business and proudly served two years in the U.S. Army. He spent 38 years with the Veterans Administration as a Claims Examiner, dedicating his career to supporting those who had served their country. He approached his work with meticulous care, quiet patience, and a belief that every person deserved to be heard.

Though he loved music of all kinds, Richard often joked that his own musical talent began and ended with tuning a radio. What he lacked in performance, he made up for in appreciation—happily sitting in the audience, taking it all in. He was a lifelong learner, always reading, always absorbing details, and always ready to share some new piece of knowledge—whether his listener was deeply curious or simply caught in the room with him.

Richard’s hands were never idle. He was a gifted woodworker who poured love into every piece he crafted. The heirloom furniture he created for his daughters and grandchildren will continue to hold family stories for generations. He shared his carpentry skills generously, including during the years he volunteered at Old Cowtown Museum. He was also a capable mechanic with a soft spot for classic cars, owning several prized vehicles over the years and passing that fascination on to his grandchildren. When he wasn’t building, fixing, or teaching, he was reading—always reading.

Richard is survived by his wife, Millie; daughters, Renee O’Brien and Sarah (John Jr.) Zibell; and his grandchildren, Tawny Liam O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, Gillian Zibell, Zoey Zibell, and Milo Zibell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruth Allen; his brothers, Harold and Paul Allen; his daughter, Staci Allen; and his grandson, Ian Cole Zibell.

He will be remembered for his kind and steady heart, his curiosity, and the way he encouraged those he loved to know a little about everything—and to read often and widely. His presence was calm, his love constant, and his influence will continue to echo in the hands, minds, and stories of his family.

Memorial Service: Monday, May 4, at 2:00pm, Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S Broadway, Wichita, KS. A memorial has been established with the Kansas Food Bank. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.