Allen, C. Dean

C. Dean Allen, 77, of Blacksburg, died Friday, August 18, 2006, at Montgomery Regional Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. and M. Elizabeth Allen. He is survived by his wife, Darlene F. Allen and four daughters and their families; Katherine English, her husband Carlton and son, Nicholas of Blacksburg, Va.; Janet Gruenberg, her husband Scott and daughters, Gretchen and Charlotte of Louisville, Ky.; Susan Allen of Menlo Park, Calif.; and Margaret Allen of Roanoke, Va. Also surviving is a sister, Joan Hoffs and her husband, A.J. of Kentwood, Michigan, and a special cousin, Glenna Paukstis of Ludington, Mich.

Educated in Michigan, he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Following military service in the Korean Conflict, he joined the Cooperative Extension Service and worked on the 4-H Staff in Gratiot Co., Michigan and the state 4-H staffs in Michigan, Washington State and in Virginia since 1967.

He retired from Virginia Tech in 1992 as Professor Emeritus. He was the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Excellence in Extension recognition. Active in Community affairs, he served on the Montgomery County Planning Commission for 20 years; as a member of the Virginia Citizens Planning Association, including terms as a Director and President; Blacksburg in the Eighties; and NARFE (the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees).

He was an active participant in Montgomery County Democratic Party, serving as District Chairman and Treasurer. He was active for over 20 years with the VirginiaSanta Catarina (Brazil) Partners, serving in various leadership positions, including four years as Virginia President and six years on the International Board of Directors.

At his request, there will be no funeral. A private memorial service will be held in Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution might consider one of the following: Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 200 Progress St. NE, Blacksburg, VA 24060; the Virginia 4-H Foundation, Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; the Free Clinic of the New River Valley, P.O. Box 371, Christiansburg, VA 24068, or Virginia Partners (C/O Herb Stoevener, Treas., 525 High Meadow Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060).

Friends may visit the family on Monday, August 21, 2006, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr., Blacksburg, VA.