Warren William “Bill” Allen, Jr (C-335FA) passed away peacefully at home in Kirkwood, MO on February 12, 2026, at the age of 102. He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Thomas, with whom he spent four wonderful years.

He was the beloved father of Bill Allen (Terri), Peggy Allen (Dennis) and John Allen (Julie), devoted grandfather of Christopher Allen (Jodie), Matthew Allen (Audrey), Jack Allen, James Allen and Kate McGee (Paul), and much-loved great grandfather of Bailey Allen, Parker Allen, Grayson Allen, Olivia Colby, Aidan Colby, Bill McGee and Louis McGee. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth Lee Reddish Allen and second wife Mary Knickmeyer, as well as his brother Richard Allen (Jane) and sister Joan Dirth (Jim).

Bill was born in Webster Groves, MO on January 2, 1924, and grew up in Webster, attending school there. He spent his first year of college at Purdue University before joining the US army at the beginning of WW II. He served three years in the Army as a member of the 87th Infantry Division and he served in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the further liberation of Europe.

After returning from Europe, he completed his education at Washington University in St Louis, MO earning his degree in Chemical Engineering, before starting his working career with Prestite Engineering. He started work in the Quality Control lab until the president of the company noticed that he walked “with such vigor and a good stride” and promoted him to a role in the Research Lab. That vigor lasted his entire life and was one of his defining traits.

Bill married Ruth Lee Reddish in 1949. Their first home together was in Kirkwood before relocating to Cleveland, OH, and later to Indianapolis, IN, before eventually returning to Kirkwood. They raised three children, who all attended Kirkwood High School.

Bill later moved to a role with Hydraulic Press Brick Company, starting as a salesperson and rising through several roles until becoming President, and eventually retiring at age 77. During his time with Hydraulic, Bill served as a leader in his industry with leadership roles in industry groups, including serving as President of ESCSI (Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute).

Later in life, he continued to share the lessons learned during his military service with high school students in Webster and Kirkwood, participating in both school’s Veterans Day events for many years. Bill’s volunteer work was extensive throughout his life and included long-term participation in the Big Brother program and serving as a Stephen Minister.

Bill lived his life as an example to others – positive, energetic and curious, all delivered with a great sense of humor. He exuded kindness and he treated everyone he met with great respect. He developed many close friendships along the way and was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Bill had the belief that his mission in life was to help make his generation a little bit better than the preceding generation. He thought that if each generation could do just a little bit better, this could be a wonderful world down the road.

A memorial service was held at Aberdeen Heights in Kirkwood, MO on February 19, 2026. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Greater St. Louis Honor Flight (https://gslhonorflight.org/).