Barry Allen, 76, of Taylorville passed away at 10:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2017 in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital E.R. He was born on May 31, 1941 in Streator, Illinois, the son of Urban Stanley “Bud” Allen and Gilda (Leonelli) Allen. He married Karen Sue Quayle on November 24, 1962 in Kewanee, Illinois. Barry played football and earned his bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in Peoria and his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. He taught and coached high school for several years in Lincoln and Lanark and coached at Taylorville High School. Barry also taught college and coached wrestling in Hays, Kansas and Kearney State University in Nebraska. He recently retired from selling insurance for KMRM in Taylorville and previously worked for Mutual of Omaha. Barry was a very civic minded individual and gave back to his community in a number of ways. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he previously was chairman for the parish Fiesta. He was member and past president of the Taylorville Optimist Club. He served on the board of directors for the Christian County Senior Citizen’s Center and the Christian County YMCA where he was a past chairman of the auction. Barry was proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed spending time with his many close friends. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed golfing, a sport that he was taught by his father-in-law.

Barry is survived by his wife: Suzy Allen of Taylorville; children: Mike Allen (Sara) of Sherman, Tad Allen (Beth) of Springfield, Jeff Allen (Michele) of Bristol, and Liz Schneider (Kent) of Lincoln; grandchildren: Erin Allen, Faith Allen, John Donelan, Nicholas Donelan, Andrew Donelan, Liam Kiszley, Leah Schneider, Perry Schneider, Jake Schneider, Emily Schneider, Blaine Allen, Grant Allen, and Hope Allen; and 6 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law: Linda Allen of Burr Ridge. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother: Richard Todd Allen.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 5 until 7 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be left to the Autism Society of America or the Christian County YMCA. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Barry, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com