Paul Allen

Paul Allen obituary

Paul Richard Allen, 85 year old life-long resident of Ketchum, departed this life on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Heartsworth Senior Living in Vinita.

Paul was born to Fred and Bertha Allen on December 22, 1937.  He attended Ketchum Public Schools from which he graduated in 1956.  He served in the U.S. Army 1961-66, spending part of his active-duty service deployed to Germany.

A short time later he met Minta Sue Barnes, the love of his life, at a bowling alley in Vinita.  They married on March 15, 1968 and lived in the heart of Ketchum for the next 50+ years.  Sue passed in April 2020.

Paul was a devoted member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Ketchum throughout his life.  He assisted with treasurer duties and drove the church bus for many years, aiding outreach for area residents without transportation to church services.

He worked for Grand Lake Lumber for several years before taking a position at Ketchum Public School where he worked as a custodian and bus driver from 1981-2003.  After retirement, he joined the quilting club at the church and spent countless hours cutting squares and creating beautiful quilts for family, friends, and donating them to various organizations.

Paul was a man of few words and preferred keeping things simple.  He enjoyed gardening, quilting, and watching sports.  Playing games with his grandsons was always an ideal pastime.  A favorite memory was when he showed them his competitive streak by beating them at cornhole the first time he played at the age of 76.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three sisters, Lela, Mary Ellen, Betty; five brothers, Fred Jr., Bill, Cecil, Jackie, and John.

He is survived by daughter, Paula (Robert) Bennett of Loveland, Ohio, grandsons, Cameron, Drew, and Bryce; and brother, David.

Paul’s life was centered around faith, family, and his hometown.  His faith carried him through difficult times knowing God’s-will would prevail.