Donald LeRoy Allen

Allen Donald LeRoy Allen, died at his residence on Sat., May 17, 2003, with his wife and children at his side. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Thur., May 22, 2003, at the Believers Fellowship Church in Sturgis, SD with Pastor John Williamson officiating. Don was born Dec. 16, 1941, at St. Francis, KS to Melvin Earl "Pete" and Mary Fern (Ostrander) Allen. On Aug. 29, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jo Davis at Glenwood Springs, CO. He flew RF-4's in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other honors. He also flew F-100's in the Iowa National Guard. He was hired by Northwest Airlines as a pilot on March 3, 1969 and retired as a 727 captain on May 6, 1995. Don was an avid hunter and this interest led him to become one of the top custom gun makers in the world. His expertise in gun building resulted in the founding of Dakota Arms in Sturgis, SD in 1986 with his wife, Norma. Survivors include his wife, Norma, children, David & Dana; 7 grandchildren. Memorials preferred to the Sturgis Industrial Expansion Corporation, 1310 Industry Rd., Sturgis, SD 57785.

Published on May 20, 2003