Mr. Wayne T. Allen, 84, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 5:33 pm Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 5:33 p.m., in his home.
Wayne was born on July 8, 1937, in rural Warren County, Illinois, the son of Troy E. and Lida Mae (Armstrong) Allen. He met the love of his life and married Mildred “Millie” (Campbell-Pecharich) on September 8, 1973, in Rock Island, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, “Millie”, his five stepchildren, Joseph (Jan Puthoff) Pecharich of Celina, Ohio, Theresa (the late Joseph) Hagerty of Wataga, Illinois, Constance (Thomas) Warsaw of Glenview, Illinois, Paul Pecharich of Sandwich, Illinois, and Patricia (Robert) Engel of Jacksonville, Florida; three sisters, Twila Pettit, Janet Schenk, and Nancy Wolters; ten step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and his faithful companion, Kasey that went everywhere with Wayne. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Michael and William Allen, and sister, Jean Pfeiffer.
Wayne graduated from Abingdon High School in 1955 and attended both Carl Sandburg College and Western Illinois University. He served in the Illinois National Guard and later went to work as a foreman for Butler Manufacturing for many years. Wayne was well known in his community as he was the longest-serving City of Galesburg Ward Six Council member and Township Trustee from 2001-to 2021. He served as a Council Liaison to the Youth Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Wayne served as a board member for the Knox County Housing Authority Board, served on the Bridgeway Board of Directors, and was an animal supporter for the Knox County Humane Society. Wayne was instrumental in the formation of the Galesburg Veteran Memorial in Lincoln Park. He was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award in 2005. Wayne took pride in being a Master Gardener and was known for his amazing backyard and had participated in several local garden tours. He also offered his talent to the flowers displayed at the Galesburg Public Library and the Bridgeway offices. Wayne was a faithful man and was active within the Abingdon Christian Church. An unforgettable man that dedicated his life to being a devoted community member and beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He will truly be missed by the entire community he played a significant part in.
Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am Friday, March 25, at the chapel with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Cremation will follow services. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made by the Galesburg Veterans Memorial Fund or Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
