Chauncey Armstrong Allen was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1932 to Bill and Hazel Allen in the midst of The Great Depression. He often recalled his youth and seeing work crews refurbishing his brick street in the Benson neighborhood of Omaha under President Roosevelt’s work programs. He graduated from Benson High School in 1949 and served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a physical fitness trainer for veteran World War II fighter pilots returning to military service.

Chauncey married Karen Sahs on October 5, 1963 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He had impressed Karen enough with his daring-do on a swimming pool diving board to lead to a first date and ultimately to marriage. They celebrated 50th Anniversary in 2013.

Chauncey professional interests were varied: salesman, small business owner, entrepreneur, consummate optimist. Rarely was he without a smile and ready-made humor for everyone. Someone once remarked to Chauncey that he didn’t know anyone who didn’t like Chauncey, who casually responded without arrogance, “I can see that.”

Chauncey remembered what it was like to be any age and related well with virtually everyone he met, regardless of their ages. He was a unique personality whom people seemed to know for ten years with ten minutes of meeting him. He reserved special and quiet attention for the underdog.

At age 47, Chauncey’s spiritual journey began in earnest at a church family camp at Lake Shamineau, Minnesota and continued for the remainder of his life. He maintained a quiet yet substantial faith, which he believed should be observed more than spoken; this made him particularly effective in encouraging other to develop their own faith.

Chauncey enjoyed preparing meals and feeding people. This art began with cooking alongside his mother as a young boy and continued for decades. He particularly enjoyed Italian food and served his church with Wednesday Night “Spaghetti Feeds” for years. Many remembrances included references to those nights; unfortunately, the sauce recipe remain highly confidential.

Chauncey and Karen enjoyed traveling to warm winter destinations, cruising on resort ships, and riding with outlaws. (Just kidding! They traveled with close friends.) He also enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren.

In 2007, Chauncey was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, which he faced with dignity and characteristic optimism. His humor remained with him, he once asked his caregivers if they had real jobs, and he lived in his home until his passing.

Chauncey once remarked that, upon his death, he should be buried in a pine box in his backyard. When his family noted the illegal nature of that act, he replied, “What do I care? I’ll be gone!” He instead donated his body to medical science; interment will occur in the future at his family cemetery.

Chauncey is survived by his wife Karen, sons Bill (Tonya) and Dan, and grandchildren Zachary, Nicholas, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald “Buzz” Allen.

Chauncey taught us that faith, optimism, and humor are to be embraced and that life is a gift to be shared with others.

Published in the Omaha World Herald

Age 82, Chauncey Allen passed away peacefully at home and is survived by wife Karen, son Bill (Tonya) and Dan, and grandchildren Zachary, Nicholas and Sarah. He donated his body to the Nebraska Anatomical Society. The Memorial Service will be Thursday, November 13, at 6pm at Emmanuel Fellowship, 8345 Crown Point Avenue in Omaha. Dinner will be served at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Visiting Nurses Association.

Obituaries

of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.