Robert Earl Allen

Dr. Allen died Thursday, April 3, 2003.

He was born July 3, 1919, in Warrensburg, Mo., the son of Forrest C. “Phog” and Elizabeth Milton Allen. He moved to Lawrence with his family and attended Lawrence High School and Kansas University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was awarded “Man of the Year” in 1941. He played basketball for his father and was selected for the All-Big 6 Conference team twice and also was selected for the 1940 NCAA All-Tournament team.

He attended University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his internship at Kansas University Medical Center before serving in World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Allen completed his residency in general surgery at Cleveland Clinic after the war and began practicing in 1950 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

He returned to service in 1952 and was attached to the 1st Marine Division in Korea. After his discharge, he resumed practice at St. Luke’s, where he served as chairman of the Department of Surgery and president of the medical staff. He was a Rotarian, past president of the Vanguard Club and a member and director of Mission Hills Country Club.

He married Jean McFarland in 1944. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three sons, Robert E. Jr., John F., and Mark J., all of Shawnee Mission; two sisters, Eleanor Nelson, Shawnee Mission, and Jane Mons, Lake Forest, Ill.; and five grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, 800 W. 47th St., suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64112.

D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Overland Park Chapel is handling arrangements.