Richard Cantrell Allen

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Richard Cantrell Allen, 48, unexpectedly took a breath and his next was in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Richard was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 28,1977 to Leland and Vicki (Crane) Allen who survive.

Richie, known to many, and his beautiful wife Kelly (Burris), who survives, were married on April 17, 1999. They were enjoying the empty nester phase of their lives, spending evenings and weekends together. Richie wasn’t just Kelly’s husband; he was her soulmate, partner in every sense, her greatest supporter, her home, the love of her life. The love they built from those high school days is rare and beautiful and that inspires everyone around them. Since January 1996 it’s been “Richie and Kelly”.

UPS gained a hardworking man when they hired Richie in 1995. While still attending Wynford High School (1996), he worked in the warehouse until he became a driver in 2000. Providing for his family is what it was all about. At the end of the day, Richie would come home and devote what time was left before bed to his kids and grandkids. You could find him rolling around on the floor with the little ones or coming up with some kind of fun game to get in trouble with or shooting a good game of pool. If the weather permitted you could find him outside fishing, hunting or perfecting his archery skills. He also enjoyed his time with his brother, Bobby, shooting guns. During the football season you could find him and the family watching Alabama Crimson Tide Football. Some great memories were created whether he was teaching you his passions or telling you some funny story or being the funny story.

The love that Richie and Kelly shared built a beautiful family. Being a great father was important to Richie. He was the best to Makennah (Gabe) Flohr, Cobey (Brookelyn Ayers) and Cainen, and the greatest Poppy to Jett, Shep and Mylah Jo. You could see the pride and love in his eyes when he talked about his kids and grandkids. He is also survived by his brother Bobby (Addie) Allen, his in-laws Dave and Chris Burris, brother-in-law Bryan (Julie) Burris, and sister-in-law Michelle Burris. The numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that survive him here in Ohio as well as Alabama, will continue to hold him dearly in their hearts.

The love and devotion that Richie showed his family and friends does not compare to his faith in God. Over the last 15 years, he served as a worship leader, youth leader, and children’s ministry teacher. Richie lent his creativity and talents to enrich VBS and other special events that he and Kelly were involved in. They enjoyed working together to share their faith in God.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday October 19 at 6:00 pm in the Family Life Church, 2209 Marion-Waldo Rd., Marion, OH. The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm until the time of the service. The Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home, Bucyrus is assisting the family with arrangements.