James E. Allen Sr.

James E. Allen Sr., 88, of Van Wert, died at 2:10 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2011, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.

He was born April 30, 1923, in Van Wert, the son of the late Glenn O. and Anna M. (Disabennet) Allen. On September 9, 1945, he married Betty J. (Youtsey) Allen, who preceded him in death on March 10, 2008.

Survivors include two children, James E. Allen Jr. and Deanna (Larry) Oechsle, both of Van Wert; three sisters, Susan Courtney, Gladys Caudill and Cordella Hartman, all of Van Wert; one granddaughter; and a great-grandson.

Two brothers, Glenn Allen Jr. and Louis Allen; a stepbrother, Donald E. Seekings; and a sister, Esther Hartman, also preceded him in death.

A private family service will be held, with burial in Little Auglaize Cemetery in Paulding County.

There will be no calling hours.

Preferred memorials: The Salvation Army in Van Wert or the Community Health Professionals hospice program.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.alspachgearhart.com.