Walter Paul Allen

Walter Paul Allen, formerly of Rich Fountain, died Thursday, March 8, 2012, in Elmwood, Wis. Paul was born March 2, 1922, in Sullivan, Mo. and grew up in the Valley Park area. His parents were Walter Franklin and Pearl (Studdard) Allen. Paul attended Sullivan High School and later earned a business degree from Columbia University. In 1949 he married Theresa Ann Neuner at Sacred Heart Church in Rich Fountain. They met at a dance at Stoney Mountain Lodge in Linn, Mo. which was built and operated by Paul and his brother Floyd. She preceded him in death in 1972. He later married Dorothy Binkowski of Elmwood, Wis. in 1987. They purchased the family dairy farm where he resided the remainder of his life. He loved living in the country and enjoyed building grandfather clocks, reading, traveling, opera, walking in nature and listening to either classical or country western music. He enlisted in the US Army right after high school. He served during World War II in the North African Campaign against Brigadier General Rommel. Paul also served two tours of duty in Korea and as a civilian adviser in Vietnam. His years of service took him to many locations including Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Tunisia. Among his many assignments were protecting the Vatican, the liberation of the Dachau prisoner of war camp and the protection of the famous Lipizzaner stallions. Paul also served for a time as escort for fallen soldiers on their journey home. During his military career he took part in five major amphibious landings. Paul earned ten major battle campaign stars, the Silver Star for valor in combat, two Bronze Stars for meritorious service, two Commendation Medals for outstanding service and the French Cross of War for major combat alongside the French Army. Paul became a weapons specialist. After retirement from the Army he went to work for the US Government ultimately attaining the rank of Commander in Chief of Special Services. He traveled the world, supervised military ballistics, taught under the Department of Defense, was an adviser to the Chinese Nationalist Government and worked with Ethiopian leader, Haile Selassie. After a total of 48 years serving his country, Paul retired in 1987. Paul is survived by his wife Dorothy, of the home; a daughter, Drusilla Lynn (Anthony) Albus of Wardsville; a granddaughter, Lisa Michelle (Greg) Bowman of Overland Park, Kan.; a grandson, Jason Randall (Janna) Dake of Houston, Texas; four great-grandsons, Justin Dake, Matthew Bowman, Jared and Jacob Dake; a sister, Pearl (Roy) Mashaney of Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Theresa; seven brothers and three sisters. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 14, 2012 at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Kevin Louis and Paul's nephew, Rev. Christopher Cordes officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. A luncheon was served followed by a wake at the local bar/restaurant.