Edwin Lee Allender, age 90, of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the son of Earl Edwin and Dora Lula (VanderLinden) Allender, born on January 14, 1932, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended school in Oskaloosa and graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1950, and after graduation, he attended Engineering School for two years. In 1949, Edwin joined the Army Reserves, and in 1950, he joined the United States Navy, serving his country for twenty-four years, and at the time of his retirement was a Warrant Officer 4. After retiring from the Navy, Edwin worked as a supervisor for Grinnell Corporation, a fire, and sprinkler installation company. In 1954, he married Betty Derocher who passed away, and in 2008, Edwin married Dorothy Barker. From 1974 until his passing, he was a member of the Chillicothe American Legion serving in many capacities such as Adjutant, Commander, District Commander, and Chair for many positions. He was the founding President of the Livingston County Veteran’s Association until January of 2022. Edwin worked tirelessly along with others to secure funding for the new Livingston County Veteran’s Association Building. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing, waterskiing, playing cards, woodworking, and working on vehicles. Edwin was a very faithful man who attended church wherever he was living at the time and most notably, the Wheeling First Christian Church in his later years. During his military career, he belonged to numerous Navy Clubs, the American Legion, and V.F.W.
Edwin is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy of the home; his children, Steven Lee Allender and wife Donna of Woburn, Massachusetts, Beatrice E. Fernandes of New Bedford, Massachusetts; step-children, Rebecca Klabuhn of Crystal Falls, Michigan, Richard E. Rowland of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Trish Hanavan and husband Jerry of Bosworth, Missouri; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Dora Allender; one brother, Robert E. Allender; and one stepson-in-law, Jim Klabuhn.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Edwin Allender at the veterans building at 909 North Washington Street in downtown Chillicothe. A visitation will be held on June 21st from 10 m until 10:45 am.
A celebration of life service will follow at 11 am. Military honors will be held at 11:45 with a reception to follow.
