Vernon D. Allen, age 89, of North Platte, died June 6, 2015 at Great Plains Health. He was born on March 6, 1926 in Petersburg, NE to Theodore “Ted” and Edna (Paulsen) Allen.
Vernon graduated from Petersburg High School before entering the Army Air Corp in 1944. He served in North Africa, then to the European Theatres where he served as a photographer on B17’s and B29’s. After his discharge, Vernon returned to Petersburg where he married Bonnie Rogers on March 17, 1947 in Smith Center, KS. The couple moved to Omaha where Vernon attended the Universal Trade School where he studied refrigeration.
After the electricification of the rural areas, he worked as an electrician and in the refrigeration business. He later worked in the family grocery business, doing appliance repair work out of the back. He then opened Allen’s TV and Appliance in Petersburg.
In 1972, the family moved to North Platte where Vernon worked at Welty’s TV and Rrepair for several years before opening Allen’s TV and Appliance in North Platte. He and Bonnie continued to run the store until Bonnie passed away in 1989. Vernon married Gloria Egger in February 1990. They made their home in North Platte, but enjoyed going to Texas every winter.
Vernon was a member of the Episcopal Church of our Savior, the American Legion, the Sertoma Club, served on the Petersburg School Board, and was on the Board of Directors at the Paradise Park Retirement Community. He enjoyed camping and boating, traveling with his family, reading, and home remodeling.
Survivors include his 5 children, Terri (Stan) Timm of Omaha, Ken (Cheryl) Allen of Castle Rock, CO, Bob (Karen) Allen of North Platte, Randy Allen of North Platte, and Merri (John) Brownell of Omaha; 2 step-children, Tara (Bob) Lockman of Cheyenne, WY, and Rodd (Sally) Egger of Aurora, CO; 3 sisters, LaVonne Faust of Omaha, Sharlene Bogs of Dyer, Indiana, and Marcella (Russ) Sharples of Tempe, AZ; 14 grandchildren, Mike (Colleen) Timm, Mark (Megan) Timm, Matt (Katie) Timm, Kristin (Aaron) Shockey, John (Christina) Brownell, Eryn Brownell, Jill Brownell, Charlie (Serrita) Allen, Cody (Keri) Allen, Sonja (Kevin) Pearson, Amy Allen, Cammy (D.J.) Smith, Ken (Dawn) Allen, Matt (Diane) Allen ; 3 step grandchildren, Nick Lockman, Cortney Lockman, Alexandria Egger; and 37 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Fred (Mary Ann) Fangman of Petersburg, NE; his faithful canine companion, Misty; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Bonnie and Gloria; 4 grandchildren, Theodore Joseph Allen, Jenna Rose Allen, David James Allen, and Scott Robert Allen.
A memorial has been established to the North Platte Senior Center, or to the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. today June 9, 2015 at the Episcopal Church of our Savior with the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey S.F. Nelson officiating. Burial will be at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements