Obituaries detail

Return to Listings
Joan Durham Allen, Age: 82
Apr 03, 1942 - Aug 06, 2024

Joan Durham Allen, a devoted wife, cherished mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on April 3, 1942, Joan was a passionate wife, mother, friend and educator that was loved by all that knew her.

A proud graduate of Kansas State University, Joan was an active and enthusiastic member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Her professional journey as an elementary art teacher in Raytown, MO, allowed her to touch the lives of hundreds of children, leaving a lasting impact through her creativity and dedication.

Joan’s life was characterized by her profound devotion to her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 57 years, Larry Allen; her children, Mike Allen and Graham Allen; and her seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Joan is also survived by her sister, Nancy Durham, and her brother, Grover Durham. Her family will forever treasure the warmth and joy she brought into their lives.

Joan's adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively with her family, exploring both the United States and the world. Following her retirement, she and Larry became integral members of communities in Estes Park, CO; Misawa, Japan; Florence, AZ; and John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, MO. Her unwavering commitment to community service was further exemplified through her involvement with Cottey College and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, organizations she supported with great dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to P.E.O. Sisterhood for Cottey College at www.cottey.edu/give or Kappa Kappa Gamma at https://www.mcfks.org/make-a-donation select a fund ‘Krista Harms Kappa Kappa Gamma President’s Scholarship’ - causes dear to Joan’s heart.
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
No Services Planned

Condolences

Susan Lopez Aug 08, 2024

Friend for 60+ years ,La Jolla ,California

I’m relieved that she is no longer suffering…l loved and adored her and will always cherish being her friend. I will always remember our incredible times together throughout so many decades. She was an awesome lady and will be remembered fondly by so many others.

Karen Whittier Aug 08, 2024

Kappa sister and forever special friend! ,Lakewood ,Colorado

Joan was one of my forever Kappa sisters and special friend through the years! She was always the most thoughtful and caring and planned our last Kappa reunion of our close pledge classes last April in Manhattan to honor our Kappa sister who had a stroke. Joan was such an elegant and beautiful lady and a friend to so many! I am glad she no longer suffers but I so will always miss her!!!!

CHARLOTTE LLOYD Aug 09, 2024

longtime friend ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

SENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY, lARRY, TO YOU AND FAMILY. WHAT AN AMAZING BATTLE jOANIE AND YOU FOUGHT TOGETHER WHILE BATTLING THIS INVASIVE CANCER WITH SUCH COURAGE AND FAITH. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AS YOU MOVE THROUGH THIS DEEP GRIEF. ONE OF MY FAVORITE SAYINGS: "TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WE LEQAVE BEHIND, IS NOT TO DIE." JOANIE WILL BE REMEMBERED BY SO MANY THAT HAD THE JOY OF NOWING HER. LOVE, CHARLOTTE

Alice and Ron Blizzard Aug 09, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Nancy-I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were to Joan. May God bring peace to you and all family. God bless.

Doug & Carol Quackenbush Aug 09, 2024

fruends ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

What an exceptional individual was Joan Allen. She did a terrific job taking care of the 3 men in her household. Always ready to do whatever was needed in supporting Larry, Graham, and Mike. Then being an outstanding teacher. Our deep condolences.

Casie Scott Aug 10, 2024

Mike, Graham, and Coach—I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mrs. Allen’s warmth and smile. She was one of my art teachers in elementary school and taught me how to draw trees! She was such a special lady!❤️

Louise Keisker Aug 10, 2024

neighbor and friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I shall miss her. She was so courageous and lovely. My condolences go to each family member.

Jim & Brenda Smith Aug 10, 2024

Neighbor ,LEE'S SUMMIT ,Missouri

We are grateful for the short time we enjoyed knowing Joan. She will be immensely missed by all her friends and neighbors at John Knox Village.

Cathy (Harrison) Allie Aug 10, 2024

Friend ,Grain Valley ,Missouri

Allen family, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Joan’s ready laugh and smile. She was a great sports mom and coach’s wife, too. Cathy

Judy Siefert Aug 10, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was so very to hear of Joan’s passing. We were sorority sisters and she was of my favorite gals. I did know she has had a very difficult struggle with her health. Many condolences, prayers and love to her family I know she will be greatly missed. Judy Siefert

Carole and Jim Lemery Aug 11, 2024

PEO sister and friend ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

Joanie was one of the sweetest ladies we have ever known. It was such a privilege to have known her and be her friend. Our hearts go out to you and your family. She will live in your hearts forever.

Dave & Tracy Christensen & family Aug 11, 2024

Family friends ,Tampa ,Florida

Larry, Mike, Beth & Family, we are thinking of you all and sending our love and condolences. Joan was a warm, beautiful, and creative lady to know and we are grateful for the time spent with her years ago in Colorado. Love you all! The Christensens

Marie Luten Aug 12, 2024

Friend & Neighbor in John Knox Village ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

My condolences to the Allen Family! I didn't know Joan well, but we would chat at bit at our neighborhood lunches, or at Places Restaurant here. May the Lord comfort each of you in a mighty way and I will continue to pray. Blessings Marie

Janice Franklin Aug 12, 2024

Friend ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

So sorry in your family's loss. We didn't know Joanie very long but enjoyed shareing lunch with her at JKV. She was a very sweet lady who we will all miss a great deal. Duane and Janice

Joan Booth Iversen Aug 12, 2024

Kappa friend of Joan's sister ,Fontana ,Wisconsin

Dear Nancy,I am so sorry about your sister's passing. She was such a joy to you in life. Hold onto those memories. Know that your Kappa sisters are here for you. Larry and family, please accept my sincere sympathy at this time. May Joan rest in peace. Very sincerely, Joan Booth Iversen

Karol Kadel Aug 14, 2024

Cousy , Novato ,California

Joan was beacon of joy and talent. Despite her battle with cancer, she never let it dim her spirit or her ready smile. Joan’s resilience and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her, and her memory will live forever in the hearts who knew her.