Tag: Benjamin Brabant Allen Jr.

Ben Allen Jr.  passed away Saturday January 3, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas with his family by his side.  He was born December 18, 1960 in Alton, Illinois to Ben and Trudi, Benjie was the oldest of three children. Ben graduated from Alton High School in 1979 and went on to attend The University of Oklahoma.  He was a talented and self-taught musician and artist. Ben began playing the piano as a child and quickly became prolific in classical and later contemporary music. He was in constant pursuit of knowledge, curious about the workings of the world. From antiquities to current events, he was a wealth of knowledge, which, sometimes to the chagrin of his family, was usually superior. Ben had a mind of his own and informed opinions that he was happy to share. He was a skilled and avid chess player as well. Benjie enjoyed childhood summers in Saugatuck, and one special summer spent with his Uncle Hube managing the archeological dig in Morgantina, Sicily.  Ben moved to Lawrence in 2004 to be closer to his beloved University of Kansas.  Ben was preceded in death by his dear friend and cousin Lee Allen, and his grandparents, Hub and Berta Allen and Al and Na Weber.

Benjie is survived by his parents, Ben and Trudi, his brother Peter (Gina), and his sister Betsy (Eddie Sholar), 7 cousins and 5 nieces and nephews.  Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.