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Christopher Allen Obituary
Born in Independence, Missouri, on October 7, 1958, to the late Raymond and Margaret Allen, Chris's life was marked by love, faith, and an unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
Chris earned his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Kansas, where he laid the foundation for a distinguished career in engineering and research.
His lifelong love story with Peggy (Gooding) began in first grade when he tenderly expressed his affection through a get-well-soon card-a devotion he carried throughout their lives together.
Married in 1980, Chris and Peggy began their married life filled with love, purpose, and laughter, in Lawrence, Kansas. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Katie, in 1981, followed by their son, Christopher, in 1983. Soon after completing his Ph.D. in 1984, Chris joined Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he contributed to the development of radar technology and nuclear defense systems. During their time in Albuquerque, the Allens celebrated the births of Emily in 1985, and Anna in 1989.
In 1992, the family returned to Independence, Missouri, where Chris began his enduring career as a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Kansas. Over the years, he became a renowned researcher in lightwave/photonics systems, microwave remote sensing, and radar system design, holding numerous patents. His work was a reflection of his passion for innovation and his commitment to a safer world.
Chris was not only a dedicated researcher but also an inspiring teacher and mentor. His excellence in education earned him prestigious awards, including the Eta Kappa Nu Harry Talley Excellence in Teaching Award, the Ned N. Fleming Trust Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the W.T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. Above all, he cherished the opportunity to guide and inspire his students, sharing with them the same love of discovery that defined his life.
Rooted deeply in the Catholic faith to which he converted in 2005, Chris was ordained as a deacon in 2020. He found immense joy in serving his parish and community. His kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to others were living testaments to his faith and love for God.
Chris will be remembered as a man of profound intellect, deep compassion, great humor, and steadfast love for his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Peggy; his children, Katie (Brandon), Independence, MO; Chris (Rachel), Leawood, KS; Emily (Chris), Platte City, MO; and Anna (Philip), Hamburg, Germany; his sister Jill (Suzanne), Independence, MO; brother Ray (Roxanne), Longview, TX; brother Pat (Stephanie), Blue Springs, MO; and his nine grandchildren, and two dogs, who brought him immeasurable joy.
A Rosary service will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5:30 PM, followed by a visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 W. 15th St., Lawrence, Kansas. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas or Corpus Christi Catholic School honoring Chris's lifelong devotion to faith, family, and education.
Chris's legacy of love, service, and discovery will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless students whose lives he profoundly touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Allen
Scott and Sonya Allen
January 13, 2025
We're so sorry for your loss, Peggy. We enjoyed visiting with Chris when we were out doing yard work. You both were wonderful neighbors.
dave besson
December 20, 2024
Chris was a good guy, totally lacking in arrogance or pretense. When we were both starting faculty at KU, he freely offered his time and guidance to start an astrophysics project, which was based in the radio-wave engineering. I was always amazed how, to him, the science was so remarkably intuitive. Without him, that experiment, which was the first of its kind, but now has mushroomed, would not have been successful. When my students had a radio question that I could not answer, he would invariably answer their inquiries, whether or not he had any familiarity with their names. He freely offered his time to anyone who asked. I see in the comments below tributes from many people from many walks attesting to that. He was an example to us all.
Mike and Mary Easterday
December 20, 2024
God bless your family
You are a gift to all of us The Easterdays
Catholic Charities Staff
December 19, 2024
On behalf of the entire staff at Catholic Charities, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the generous spirit of Chris Allen and the steadfast support that both Chris and Peggy have shown over the years. Our deepest condolences go to Peggy and the family during this difficult time. We pray for peace, comfort, and strength for all of you. May Chris find eternal rest in the embrace of our Lord and be surrounded by his loved ones in heaven.
Lawrence Catholic Charities Staff
December 19, 2024
On behalf of the entire staff at Catholic Charities, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the generous spirit of Chris Allen and the steadfast support that both Chris and Peggy have shown over the years. Our deepest condolences go to Peggy and the family during this difficult time. We pray for peace, comfort, and strength for all of you. May Chris find eternal rest in the embrace of our Lord and be surrounded by his loved ones in heaven.
Fawwaz Ulaby
December 18, 2024
I would like to share my condolences with Chris´s wife, Peggy, and the other members of his family. My name is Fawwaz Ulaby, and I was Chris´s Phd advisor at KU. Chris and I worked very closely on a radar remote sensing project from 1980 to 1984, which culminated into a top notch Phd dissertation. I still remember how creative Chris was in finding solutions to overcome the many radar design challenges we had. Chris had a most successful career and was highly admired by his colleagues and students, but I remember him most for his charismatic and friendly personality.
I will certainly miss him.
Fawwaz Ulaby
Professor of EECS, University of Michigan
Chris Lin
December 18, 2024
This was a complete surprise. Not in a good way. I work in Custodial Services at KU and was stationed briefly in the building he was in. He was always courteous and kind. Never looked down on me. He was grateful when service was provided. Condolences to his family and colleagues. He will be missed.
Carl E. Locke
December 18, 2024
Chris came to the KU School of Engineering while I was Dean. His quiet, friendly demeanor was a defining characteristic and made him a very likeable person. My main memory of him was a question he asked me during Engineering Faculty Meetings during the time we were working to obtain funding for what is now known as Eaton Hall. He would always ask at the end of the meeting, how is the fund raising for the New Engineering Building going? I can say that that simple question and the quiet way it was asked, helped spur me to work harder on the task. From my perspective, he was a valuable member of the School of Engineering Faculty.
Tamara Gwaltney
December 17, 2024
Deacon Chris was a huge part of my learning in the RCIA class of 2020. His knowledge of the Catholic Faith was incredible. It was easy to see his passion for teaching and helping us understand. We´ve lost a great one!
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