Cecil Allenbaugh…April 1, 1922 – June 11, 2018

Graveside Funeral Services for Cecil Allenbaugh will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Holly Cemetery in Holly, CO with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating. There will be no public visitation.

Cecil E. Allenbaugh was born to Noel F. and Celestia M. (Bragg) Allenbaugh on the family homestead South of Holly, CO on April 1, 1922. In the late 1920’s, the family moved to Holly so Cecil and his brother, Delbert could attend school. Cecil graduated from high school in 1940. Upon graduation, Cecil entered the US Army in September of 1942 where he served until December 1945. He served in North Africa, and Italy. He was on a hospital ship where he worked as a medical technician. Through many of Cecil’s experiences in the Army, he never shared those said experiences until he was 90 years old. After separating from the Army, Cecil returned to Holly after war and farmed for about 20 years. He then relocated to Garden City, KS where he went into the construction business; helping build Pizza Huts all over the country, elevators, commercial buildings, as well as houses until he retired.

One of Cecil’s favorite hobbies was to dance. Cecil and his cousin, Lorry Cornish taught all the girls in the family to dance. Cecil continued to dance into his 80’s. His second wife Dorothy and his third wife, Wanda changed him from a casual farm dresser to a stylish dresser. When Cecil visited anyone, he was always known for his appealing dress attire. Dress slacks, suit and ties, sport coats, hat and highly polished shoes. Cecil believed that turning 80 meant he earned the right to be a grouchy, grumpy old man. Even after those entitled grumpy, grouchy years, Cecil and another resident in Minneola continued to dance even with their walkers! He lived his last years always quoting his favorite saying, “It’s a whole new world out there!” He was a life member of Holly VFW Post #4281. Cecil passed away on June 11, 2018 in Garden City, KS at the age of 96.

Cecil is survived by his sons, Foster Allenbaugh, Michael Allenbaugh; daughters, Sara Elaine Osbment, Kathy Trask; ex daughter-in-law, Jan Allenbaugh; sister, Nolamae Allenbaugh Ice; and sister-in-law, Rachel Waller Allenbaugh; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his spouses, Dorothy Allenbaugh and Wanda Luna-Allenbaugh; mother of his children, Pat Switzer; brother, Delbert Allenbaugh; sister, Jean Woolford; and great-grandson, James Owen.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church in Holly, CO, VFW of Holly Post #4281, or the Holly Historical Society in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950 Lamar, CO. 81052.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.