Allen Lee Atwell
June 1, 1932 ~ December 14, 2023
Allen Lee Atwell was born June 1, 1932, on the farm East of Minneapolis, KS to Fay and Alma (Sumerall) Atwell. He passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at his home. Allen graduated from Minneapolis High School in May 1950.
Allen married Deloros Ilene Ranney on March 4, 1956. Of this union, two children were born, Harry Lee Atwell and Valorie Rhea (Atwell) Zimmer.
He enjoyed his 1939 Packard he bought and running hurdles in high school. In his senior year, he was 5th in the state.
Allen served in the Navy on the USS Block Island carrier from January 4, 1951, to October 5, 1954. He enjoyed his Navy service sailing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas.
Farming was his life’s work, and he was happiest when he drove his combine harvesting wheat. Allen’s first couple years, after his Navy service, he enjoyed custom harvesting from Kansas to South Dakota.
Allen and Deloros enjoyed pulling their camper to Apache Junction, Arizona during the winter months. Polka dancing and friends were his favorite pastime. He had a quick wit and always had a funny saying to share with everyone. His neighbors always knew when he arrived in the park due to the noise his beloved diesel pickup made. They let him know it, but he still teased them. His family and all his friends were important to him.
A unique feature he was proud of was the fact he could make both of his ears wiggle at the same time.
He was strong in his faith in the Lord, his Savior.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Alma Atwell; one granddaughter; and one step-grandson.
Allen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Deloros Atwell; children Harry Atwell (Cyndi) of Delphos KS, Valorie (Atwell) Zimmer (Terry) of Salina KS; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Eva) Atwell of Los Lunas, NM; sister, Carolyn (Jack) McKain of Manhattan, KS; and sister Connie Pell of Texas.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis, KS. The memorial service will be held at the Words of Light Fellowship, Delphos, KS, on December 21, at 11:00 A.M. The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, December 20 from 5:00 P.M., to 7:00 P.M. at Wilson Family Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to the Allen Atwell Minneapolis High School Scholarship Fund or the Words of Light Fellowship Church, sent in the care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle St., Minneapolis, KS, 67467.