Sussman-Laabs

Walter H. Allen, age 93 of Eaton Rapids, died Thursday, August 22, 2002 in Dimondale. Walter was born October 25, 1908 in Eaton Rapids the son of Walter H. and Lillian (Shoup) Allen. In his earlier years he worked for Homer Woolen Mills, Reid Brothers Canning Co. in Lake Odessa, St. Lawrence Hospital as an orderly and operating room nurse, Oldsmobile, owned and operated the Eaton Restaurant in Eaton Rapids, managed the Guest Lodge and restaurant at the VFW National Home and retired from Michigan State University as the original head chef at Case Hall. Walter was a Past President, Vice President, and member of the board of the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, Rocking Chair Deserters; very active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows holding most positions including Grand Patriarch of Michigan, and was a life member of the Eaton Rapids Masonic Lodge #63 F&AM. He was preceded in death by his wives, Dorothy (Krumm) and Mildred (Reed). Surviving are his sister, Florence Connelly of Eaton Rapids; daughter, Jo Ann E. Carpenter of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; son, Richard R. Allen of Kalamazoo; stepdaughter, Wilma Blatt of Florida; stepson, Russell Reed of Eaton Rapids; 4 grandchildren, Bradley Webb, Susan Moose, Alan Webb, Ryan Webb; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Kay Krumm of Eaton Rapids. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 24, 2002 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Rev. Dr. David D’Arcy, Pastor of the Eaton Rapids First Congregational Church officiating. Interment followed at Munger Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Walter Allen. [www.charlottelibrary.org - Charlotte, MI]