Allen John Allard was born November 7, 1925, at his parents’ homestead eight miles southwest of Long Valley, the son of Carl and Della (Weisenberger) Allard. He grew up there and attended Pleasant Hill rural school a few miles north of the homestead. His high school years were spent at Wanblee, and his junior and senior year at Interior, graduating in 1943.

After graduation, he worked on his parents’ ranch and also taught at the Pleasant Hill rural school for a short time, while waiting on a permanent teacher. After his teaching stint, he went to work for Faye Metzinger in Martin. While in Martin, he met Norma Lee Moore. After earning enough money, he purchased some land two miles east of his parents homestead.

Allen was united in marriage to Norma Lee Moore in November of 1947, and to this union were born three children Andy, Sharon and Lon Lee. They made their home on the ranch their entire married life and worked side by side raising cattle, sheep, and farming.

At a young age, Allen enjoyed rodeo, and playing baseball in Long Valley. He also owned an airplane, and enjoyed touring the countryside by plane. He was a Shriner, a member of the Eastern Star, and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his daughter Sharon Atkinson and her husband Lenny of Laramie, Wyoming; his son Andy Allard and his wife Kathy of Dillon, Montana; four grandchildren Darin (Lisa) Allard of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kim O’Bryan of Laramie, Josh Atkinson of Laramie, and Cameron Allard of Holdridge, Nebraska; four great-grandchildren Sydney, Madison, Jordan, and Logan; two step-grandchildren, Lenny (Niki) Atkinson, Jr. and Naomi Atkinson, all of Laramie; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Allard of Holdridge, Nebraska; one sister Ardis Ladely of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife Norma Lee Allard in 2001; his son Lon Lee Allard; his parents; three brothers Ernest, Gene and Carl; and one sister June Rose Good.

A memorial is established to Bennett County Home Health.

Masonic graveside rites were held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 21, at the Martin Cemetery in Martin.

A reception will follow at the American Legion in Martin.