Allen passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, and finished an earthly life well lived.
Al loved life, especially when he had family and friends around him. His greatest joy was meeting people and sharing God’s love with them. He truly never met a stranger. He will be missed by all who knew him, but as a believer in salvation through Jesus Christ, Al is now in the place he had longed to go.
Al was born February 13, 1942, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Clarence “Doc” Day and Doris Ridenour Day. He grew up in the Quad Cities and graduated from Rock Island High School, where he claims to have been a basketball star. After high school and a brief appearance at a local college, he moved into the workforce.
Al married Judy Muhleman on January 27, 1963. For the next 57 years, Al and Judy served God together as they faithfully raised their family and impacted their friends, neighbors, coworkers and countless others. They had three sons, and they loved them well.
Al’s career eventually centered on retail, buying and selling, and took him and his family to jobs in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and, most substantially, multiple stints in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, and Abilene, Kansas. At every stop, Al and Judy connected with their community, often through their local church.
Two church communities were particularly special to Al and Judy and became the source of countless lifelong friendships. Early in their married life, they connected with friends in the Twin Cities at Fridley Covenant Church in Minnesota. Sixty years later, many of those friendships remained among Al’s closest and most treasured relationships.
Another example of Al and Judy’s commitment to others through the local church, and perhaps one of their most impactful legacies, was the role Al helped play in the founding of Community Bible Church in Abilene, Kansas. Along with a group of families looking for a new style of Biblically based church, they took a step of faith that grew into a ministry making a Kingdom impact more than 40 years later.
Al and Judy moved to Arkansas in 2020. Judy passed away soon afterward, bringing their 57-year marriage to a close.
Al married Ruth Boyer on May 3, 2021. For the rest of Al’s life, they loved each other well and served God as a team in Northwest Arkansas. They loved meeting people and plugging into the local church, including serving on the hospitality team at Life Church in Rogers. They also enjoyed serving at For the Love Community Food Mission and participating in several smaller ministry groups.
Al truly did love life, family and people. He treasured the role of Grandpa Day and lit up in the presence of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Abilene, K-State, Kansas City teams, and, most of all, the sporting events of his kids and grandkids. He was always up for an adventure or a trip. His work took him to places such as New York City, China, Korea and beyond. He was particularly fond of time at a cabin in the woods, both in Wisconsin and Arkansas.
He was also a lousy golfer who loved spending time with his friends on the links at Abilene Country Club. We expect he has already connected with some of the usual suspects beyond the pearly gates and is into mischief.
Al was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Day (Muhleman); his parents, Clarence “Doc” Day and Doris Day; his sister, Megan Blazer; and his brother, Darryl Day.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Day.
He is also survived by his three sons and their wives:
Jerry and Alise Day of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tim and Sarah Day of Gilbert, Iowa
Pete and Kristin Day of Rogers, Arkansas
His 10 grandchildren and their spouses include:
Sam and Kate Day
Silas Day
Grace Day
Nate and Cynthia Day
Alex Day
Walker and Shelby Day
Nick Day
Hailey Day
Aaron Day
Rachel Day
He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren:
Kesh Day
Ori Day
Aidyn Stewart
Nick Autry
Lucas Autry
Jadon Autry
Whittaker Day
Delaney Day
Harper Day
A small memorial service for Allen will be held Saturday, October 10, at 4:30 p.m. at the Prairie Creek Grand Shelter on Beaver Lake. 9300 Prairie Creek Campsite Road, Rogers, AR 72756. A celebration dinner will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Community Bible Church Missions Fund, 1400 N. Cedar St., Abilene, KS 67410.