McCUNE — Cleo Allen, 91, formerly of rural McCune, died Monday, June 6, 2011, at the Joplin Health and Rehabilitation Center in Joplin after a long illness.

He was born Feb. 12, 1920, to Elvon and Carry (Crain) Allen of rural West Mineral and lived in the area his entire life.

He married Bertha Mae (Walker) Allen of Sherman City on Feb. 20, 1940. She preceded him in death on Dec. 30, 2008. Mr. Allen retired in 1983 after 40 years of service as plant manager at the KG&E Neosho Plant (currently Westar Energy) near Parsons.

Survivors include three sons, Cleo Clayton Allen and Dee of Topeka, Merle Wayne Allen and Vicky of Joplin and Glenn David Allen and Erla of Wynne, Ark.; six grandchildren, Tod, Brad, Dan, Chris, Mark and Kerri; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Paul Allen and wife, Dorothy, of Galena.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Kenneth; and two sisters, Mrs. Ray (Nadine) Riggs and Mrs. Junior (Lucille) Bellah; and a grandson, Scott Allen.

Mr. Allen enjoyed raising horses and cattle and especially his coyote trail hounds. He was a member of several Hunting Associations and the McCune Saddle Club. He also played in a band for Southeast Kansas dances.

A graveside service was at 2 p.m. June 9 at Sherman City Cemetery at Sherman City with Dennis Johnson officiating.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the St. John’s Hospice in care of the Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus.