Richard Dean Allen

Richard D. Allen was born May 10, 1941 and passed away December 19,
2020 after a short battle with cancer. Richard was born in Texas and as a
young child, he moved to Madera with his family where he attended school
and ultimately graduated from Madera High School. While attending high
school, he was a stand out athlete in football and wrestling. He also spent
his early years working summers in grain farming and harvesting. After
high school, he served in the U.S. Army, including a year in Korea. Upon
his return home, Richard worked various jobs including a phone company,
electronics, and Canada Dry. Meanwhile, he met and married Janet
Ritchie on September 9, 1967. While living briefly in the San Jose area, he
developed an interest in honeybees that would last a lifetime. Soon, he
ordered his very first bees in the mail. A short time later, Richard returned
home to Madera where he had the opportunity to work for a commercial
beekeeper, and later become a partner in that business. After a successful
partnership, he and Janet decided to split off on their own and form Allen
Bee Company. Until his passing, he continued to run the bee business
along with Janet and their son Rich, as he had for nearly 40 years.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Goldie Allen and
his sister Ruth Chase. He is survived by his loving wife Janet, daughter
Lori Ritter and husband Tom, son Rich and wife Lauri, grandchildren Brian
Ritter and wife Brittany, Colin Ritter, Annie Allen, Sophie Allen and
great-grandson Bjorn Ritter, sisters Hazel Shineman and Louise Melton as
well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at
Arbor Vitae Cemetery in Madera, CA.

Remembrances can be made in his memory to Valley Children's Hospital
www.valleychildrens.org or California State Beekeepers Association
Research Fund Attn: Brooke 1521 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814