Ralph H. Allen, Jr.

Ralph H. Allen, Jr. , 87, retired Chaplain of the Sedgwick County Jail, went to his heavenly home on January 28, 2019. It is with both sadness and joy that we remember his selfless life. Cherished husband, beloved father, friend to the desperate, lonely and downtrodden. He was a strong man with a soft heart. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Verla, five children, David Allen (Norma) of Escondido, CA, Kellie Harrison of Derby, KS, Lori Primm (Jerry), and Mike Allen (Stephanie) of Wichita, KS, Kevin (Claire) of Olathe, KS, twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The founder of Christian Ministries to Offenders, his empathy knew no bounds. He was the author of three books and dozens of short stories and many poems. He was an accomplished runner who found peace and clarity while jogging alongside the Arkansas River.

Mr. Allen was born in Wichita — the son of Ralph H. Allen Sr. and Dorothy Allen. A graduate of Wichita High School East and Friends University, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. He later was employed as Treasurer of Midwestern Mirror and Glass, Inc. for 22 years, resigning from this position to become the first full-time Chaplain and Coordinator of Chaplains for Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for more than 18 years. During his years as chaplain, he received the Liberty Bell Award from the Wichita Young Lawyers Association, the Citizens Recognition Award from the Kansas Corrections Association and the Bronze Medal for Meritorious Service from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. The honors are a reflection of his unceasing efforts to serve and demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus to inmates, to the poor and to anyone alone, vulnerable or forgotten by society. He saw himself as a sparrow — ordinary and insignificant but loved by God and a vessel to be used for His purposes. He often referenced these Biblical passages: Matthew 10 “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you… are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will… Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Psalm 84:3 “Even the sparrow finds a home...”

Chaplain Allen was a longtime member of the Kansas Authors Club and First Baptist Church of Wichita. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Christian Ministries to Offenders, Inc., 216 East 2nd Street, Wichita, KS, 67202.