Robert W. "Bob" Allen, 65, of North Platte, passed away Nov. 18, 2016, at Great Plains Health.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1951, in Tilden to Vernon and Bonita (Rogers) Allen. Bob grew up in Petersburg, graduating from Petersburg High School in 1970. He went on to Northeastern Nebraska College where he played basketball, then transferred on to Chadron State College continuing his basketball career and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
After graduation, he moved to North Platte where he worked for Dowhower Construction. He then worked with his father at Welty's TV and Appliance. They later changed the name to Allen's TV and Appliance, operating the store until 1990. Bob went on to start his own business, Allen's Appliance Repair in 1990.
On Oct. 5, 1984, Bob married Karen Miles in North Platte. They are members of Messiah Lutheran Church.
Bob's love for hunting created a new business for him as a taxidermist in his spare time, winning numerous state and national awards for mounts he had done. Bob enjoyed spearfishing, boating, jet skiing and camping with family and friends. He traveled the world hunting more exotic animals and mounting them for display. He loved riding motorcycles, trikes and go cart racing with his grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Gloria Allen; two sons, David James and Scott Robert Allen; in-laws, Jack and Edith Miles; and a brother-in-law, Kent Miles.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Allen of North Platte; three children, Sonja (Kevin) Pearson of Grand Island, Amy Allen of Scottsbluff and Robert (Joy) Coons of Hershey; five grandchildren, Robin, Chris and John Pearson of Grand Island, Kelsey Salazar-Allen of North Platte, Calina Allen of McCook; four siblings, Terri (Stan) Timm of Omaha, Ken (Cheryl) Allen of Castle Rock, Colorado, Randy Allen of North Platte and Merri (John) Brownell of Omaha; sister-in-law Karen Miles of San Diego, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte with the Rev. Tim Eighmy officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Garden. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 25, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.