Donald LeRoy Allen was born December 16, 1941, at St. Francis, KS, to Melvin Earl "Pete" and Mary Fern (Ostrander) Allen. He grew up in the Beecher Island, CO, community where he helped on the farm, attended Sunday school and attended Armel elementary school and high school in Idalia, CO, but graduated from East High School in Denver, CO. Don and his parents were baptized together on June 24, 1951, at Landsman Pond by the Rev. Gene Winfree. On August 29, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jo Davis at Glenwood Springs, CO. Don graduated college from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in June of 1964 and graduated from pilot training on July 30, 1965. 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. There is a display of Don's military memorabilia at the Veteran Memorial Museum in Branson, MO. On March 3, 1969, Don was hired by Northwest Airlines as a pilot. He flew 26 years with Northwest and retired as a 727 captain on May 6, 1995.
Don died at his home on Saturday, May 17, 2003 with his wife and children at his side. Survivors include his wife, Norma, Sturgis; one son and his wife, David and J.J. Allen, Myrtle Beach, SC; one daughter and her husband, Dana and James Lasnetske, Whitewood; his parents, Pete and Fern Allen, Wray CO; two brothers, Larry Allen and his wife, Mary, Idalia, CO, and Dennis Allen, Seattle, WA; one sister, Mary Ann Harwood and her husband, David, Colorado Springs, CO; and seven grandchildren. A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Industrial Expansion Corporation.
  High Flight
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
In Loving Memory Of
Born Died Memorial Service Officiating Funeral Service Officiating Special Music Pallbearers Interment
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Don was an avid hunter and this interest led him to become one of the top custom gun makers in the world. He was the founding President of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild. In 1986, his expertise in gun building resulted in the founding of Dakota Arms in Sturgis, SD with his wife, Norma. Dakota Arms grew into one of the most successful high-quality rifle and shotgun manufacturers in America. His designs have received national awards and much recognition. Just recently, the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce named Dakota Arms "2002 Employer of the Year". Don also served on the Sturgis Airport Committee and worked diligently for the Sturgis Industrial Expansion Corporation.
