Ralph Lee Allen

Ralph Lee Allen, 92, of Crooksville, peacefully died in the afternoon hours of Monday, April 11, 2022, in his home, surrounded with the comfort of his family.

He was born one of two sons on February 11, 1930, in Crooksville to the late Perle and Gladys (Sherrick) Allen.

Ralph was a man of many accomplishments; you cannot drive around Perry County without seeing his impact. For more than 30 years he was the owner and operator of the Crooksville Coal Company. With immense appreciation he cared about every employee and their families. During his lifetime, Ralph reclaimed hundreds of acres of land throughout the county, he built the park in Corning, he was inducted into the Perry County Baseball Hall of Fame, he created many lakes in Crooksville to lessen its flooding, he lent out his heavy machinery to aid in clearing snow, building churches and school projects, and purchased and donated the first Jaws of Life to the Crooksville Village Fire Department. Among his numerous accolades, Ralph was a member of the United States Trotting Association, where he was well known for his horse harness racing.

Above all, Ralph was a dedicated husband, father, and a notable member of the community in which he lived and worked. He was a stalwart figure who was always the first to jump in and help. These traits and codes he passed on to his children who know they are better off for having him as a father.

Surviving him in life are his children, Cynthia (Tom) Dennis, Karla (Jerry) Hollingshead, Bobbi Allen, Gary (Debbie) Allen, Steven (Polly) Allen, Rex (Karen) Allen; his grandson and caretaker, Allen Shadd Dennis; and his special grandson, Quentin Webb; his 22 grandchildren, and many many great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death are his wife, Lila Jean (Miller) Allen who died April 15, 2018; his brother who died in the Battle of the Bulge, Carl Allen and his two grandsons, Danny Allen, and Ricky Dennis.

The family has chosen to mourn privately. In keeping with his wishes, Ralph will be cremated, and his remains buried in Zion Cemetery next his wife.