Gregg Arnold Allen, a devoted family man and passionate outdoorsman, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at age 66. He was surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with lung cancer at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Born to Lester and Betty Allen on Feb. 17, 1958, in Chanute. He was a dedicated, lifelong member of the community. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1976. Shortly after he met and married the love of his life, Annette Chandler. They married on June 2, 1979, at the First Baptist Church in Chanute. This year they celebrated 45 years of marriage.
As Gregg and Annette began building a life together, they welcomed three children: Traci, Megan and Chelsea. Gregg was an exemplary “girl dad” and an all-around good human being. He embodied the best qualities: unconditional love, strength and unending generosity.
Above all, Gregg was a man whose heart belonged to his family. He took great pride in being able to provide for them.
At an early age, Gregg endeavored into the industrial steel fabricating business. He was a lifelong night-shift plant manager for 30 years at Peabody TecTank and for the last 18 years at Tank Connection in Parsons. He worked many long hours and nights, ensuring that his children and grandchildren never went without.
Gregg was known to be strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge he gained through his life experiences; he could fix or build anything. But, most importantly, his selflessness was a true testament to the love he had for his family.
In his spare time, Gregg found joy in the great outdoors, whether it was hunting on his cherished piece of land or teaching his family the skills he loved. A long-time Kansas sports fan, he delighted in sharing his passion for the game with everyone around him. He even made the front page of The Chanute Tribune for his drill-powered siren he sounded off when the Kansas City Chiefs scored touchdowns.
Gregg will forever be remembered for his deep, distinctive soft voice, his wild laugh until he cried and his undeniable love for his family. He will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Annette; children, Traci Follmer (Ryan), Megan Allen-Hanna and Chelsea Frost (Andrew); his grandchildren, Kierny, Krew, Britin, Gage, Durk, Jase, Drew and Witt; brothers, Ron and Sam; and a sister, Sandra Phillips.
Gregg was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Betty.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Countryside Funeral Home, Chanute.
