Benjamin W. Allen

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with family at his side, devoted husband and father Benjamin W. Allen departed this life after an 8-year struggle with dementia. Ben was born June 23, 1949 in Jonesburg, MO to Emmett Wesley Allen and Elizabeth Darlene (Hensiek) Allen. He is survived by his wife of 54 years and love of his life, Janice (Horrell) Allen, daughter Stephanie Via (Neil), daughter Julie Allen, grandson Dominic Via (Kayla), and great-granddaughter Chloe Via, brothers Roger Allen & Stanley Allen (Nicky) of Arkansas, sister-in-law Judith Horrell, and numerous extended family members. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Carl, David, and Ron, parents-in-law William and Margaret Horrell, and brother-in-law John W. Horrell, Sr.

A graduate of Riverview Gardens High School in Wesley Grove, MO, Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and served as a Chinese Linguist for 7 years, with tours of duty in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Following his military discharge, he continued to serve his country for 39 years at the US Department of Defense in Fort Meade, MD. During that time he earned his B.A. in Chinese with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and served tours of duty in Australia and Hawai’i.

Ben was a talented musician who shared his love of music with his family as well as performing in various pit orchestras, the Alice Springs Big Band, and Brodbeck’s Band throughout the years. He played French Horn in high school, making it to the State Band. Later on, he added trumpet, guitar, and ukulele to his instrumental repertoire. He bought his first guitar in 1969 and was entirely self-taught. While in Hawai’i, he fell in love with the sound of the slack-key guitar and learned to play under such notables as Keola Beamer, John Keawe, and Ozzie Kotani at numerous Aloha Music Camps that he attended with Janice and where he met many lifelong friends.

In addition to his music, Ben was an avid reader, puzzler, photographer, and teller of “dad jokes” (all passions he instilled in his daughters). His gentle spirit, intelligence, and quick wit will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

The family thanks all those who rallied around them and Ben for their care and support during Ben’s journey, with special thanks to the following people: Lynn from ComforCare, Holly and the staff at Victorian Villa in Dallastown, and Leanne, Kim, and Erika from Caring Hospice. Arrangements will be private. Memorial contributions can be made in Ben’s memory to The Mohala Hou Foundation https://mohalahou.org/donate/ and the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.