Allen, Raymond H. 1898 - 1980

ALLEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/3/2016 at 11:17:21

Clayton County Register, Wed., 16 Jan. 1980.

Raymond H. Allen, 81, former long-time president of Allen Motor Co. in Cedar Rapids, died unexpectedly Wednesday night at his winter residence in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Ray Allen had headed Allen Motors from its beginning in 1929 until his retirement in 1963. He was president of the Allen Co.

He was active in a number of Masonic groups including the Consistory and Shrine; served on the Cedar Rapids Airport Commission from October 4, 1960 to November 13, 1973; served 12 years on the YMCA board of directors; and was a member of the Rotary Club, the Cedar Rapids Country Club and the Elkader Congregational Church.

Allen was president of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association in 1937, and from 1943 to 1948 was a director of the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Born March 9, 1898, in McGregor, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Allen, he was graduated in 1923 from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He joined the Buick dealership operated by his father and uncle in Elkader, then in the mid-1920s became manager of the new Allen Motor Co. Buick dealership in Oelwein. The Cedar Rapids operation opened in 1925.

He is survived by his brother, A. W. Allen of Cedar Rapids, a nephew, two nieces, other relatives and a host of friends. Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

A memorial service was conducted at Turner Chapel East, Cedar Rapids, by Dr. Glen N. Bender of First Congregational Church, 11 a.m., Monday. Burial took place Monday in Elkader with a 2 p.m. graveside service by the Rev. Ted Newton of Elkader First Congregational Church.

Robert W. Allen, Elkader, one of several cousins, survives.

Note: A picture accompanied this article.