Arly Allen Obituary

Arly Harrison Allen died peacefully on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Born in Lawrence, August 23, 1938, Arly was the eldest of seven siblings (Arly, Diane, Elaine, Dede, Rand, Lenore, and Barbara) born to Harold E. Allen and Barbara Jane Allen.

Arly attended Pinkney grade school in Lawrence and Pembroke Country Day High School in Kansas City, where he was active in drama, sang with the Glee Club, and served as a Yell Leader at sports events. After graduating in 1956, he attended the University of Kansas, joined Sigma Chi fraternity, and earned a BA in English (1960) and an MA in Medieval History (1963). He continued his studies at the University of Toronto and, as a Fulbright scholar, studied in Perugia, Italy. Arly briefly served as an instructor of Western Civilization and Medieval History at the University of Kansas. He had almost finished his PhD in Medieval History-only the dissertation remained-when he started working at his family's business, the Allen Press. At KU, Arly met Constance Marlatt Huested, and they married at Gibson Island's Chapel of St. Christopher by the Sea on June 23, 1962.

Harold Allen founded The Allen Press in 1935, and with Arly leading from 1971 to 1993, it achieved national and international acclaim for scientific publishing. Arly placed a strong emphasis on superior imagery and continuously explored innovative methods to assist small and medium-sized scholarly societies. In 1977, he published Steps Towards Better Scientific Illustrations. He expanded journal printing, developed nonprofit society services, and participated in scientific organizations. Arly was a founding member of the Society for Scholarly Publishing and the Council of Biology Editors (CBE), speaking at international events and serving as CBE President from 1989 to 1990. He retired from Allen Press in 1993 and established Sheridan Electronic Systems, an online service provider for academics in Baltimore, MD.

Arly enthusiastically supported KU sports and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved golf, and on one occasion, he amazed his friends by scoring a hole-in-one with an eight iron on Orchard's eighth hole.

After retiring, Arly focused on medieval history and boxing. He joined the International Boxing Research Organization and published works such as Jess Willard: Heavyweight Champion of the World (1915-1919), The Beginning of Boxing in Britain, 1300-1700, and Wrestling in Medieval England.

Arly belonged to The Old & New Club and the Rotary Club of Lawrence, served as a deacon at Oxford OH Presbyterian Church, and was a Master Gardener. His daughter recalls him mowing the lawn in dress pants while singing Gilbert & Sullivan tunes.

Arly's wife Constance, his parents Harold and Barbara Jane, and his sisters Elaine Forman and Diane Bannen all passed away before him. He is survived by his son, Arly Hedrick Allen of Lawrence, KS; his daughter, Patience Allen (partner Frode Linna) of Oslo, Norway; his sisters, Dede Dresser, Lenore Allen, and Barbara Wasson; his brother, Gorden Rand Allen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and Johanna Reinhart of Oxford, OH.

Visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 2pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 3pm. The family, guests and friends are welcome to raise a glass to Arly at the family home following the service. A private burial will take place at the Allen family gravesite, Oak Hill Cemetery on a future date.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Lawrence Humane Society in lieu of flowers, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or www.lawrencehumane.org/donate/ To leave a message for Arly's family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.