Vern Shelby Allen, Jr.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Vern Shelby Allen Jr.

May 9, 1951- May 3, 2026

Vern Shelby Allen Jr., 74, of Mooresville, Missouri, passed away at his home on May 3, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of Three Rivers Hospice.

Born on May 9, 1951, in Chillicothe, Missouri, Vern was the son of Vern Shelby Allen Sr. and Palma Jean Prewitt Allen. He spent his childhood in the Chula, MO area. Vern graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1969 and went on to complete two years of vocational training in welding. He built a hardworking life as a mail carrier and farmer, always staying connected to the land.

In 1970 he married Sherry Parks and they lived on their farm near Chula until they moved to his grandparents’ farm in Mooresville, MO north of Apple Orchard Hill in 1983 where they raised their children, Jamie and Shelly.

On June 16, 2013, Vern married his wife, Dee Ann Blythe-Ireland at the church on the grounds of the Lathrop Antique Steam and Gas Show, an event that reflected many of his passions. Together, they enjoyed working the sawmill, having the kids playing on the farm and taking them swimming and fishing on the sandbar.

Vern had a deep love and knowledge for the outdoors and hands-on work and was always willing to teach others, so much so, his great-granddaughter, Rae, called him “The Farmer”. He enjoyed tractor pulling, sawmills, threshing, and attending farm auctions. He was fond of tractors, especially International Harvester and Farmall. He got his first farm set for Christmas when he was around 6 years old.

He also found joy in gardening, flowers, canning, and hosting the annual hayride in the fall. In 1968, he won a corn contest sponsored by Funk, a memory he was very proud of. Vern, Uncle Chuck, and his dad, Vern Sr., hand picked 160 bushel of corn. He went on to donate the trophy to the FFA Chapter in Chillicothe.

Vern was a member of the Chula Community Church and Northwest Missouri Steam and Gas Engine Association (Hamilton). He many events such as the Lathrop Antique Car, Tractor, and Engine Show and the local Apple Orchard Hill demonstrations. A man who appreciated history and craftsmanship, Vern also took part in the moving the Rock Island Caboose from Jamesport, MO to Hamilton, MO so it could be refurbished.

Vern is survived by his wife, Dee Ann Allen; one daughter, Shelly Allred (Howard); stepdaughters Melissa (Scotty) Bowes, Michelle (Troy) Hanes, and Melody (Jared) Typaldos; one daughter-in-law, Jill Allen; grandchildren Clayton (Makenzie) Allen, Carter Allen, Cassidy (Aaron) Shoop, Jeffery (Jennifer) Allred, Anna Allred (Chris), Rebecca (Clayton) Hays, Jackson and Austin Bowes, Kennedy Hanes, Kamden Shiner, Jonah and Jeremiah Typaldos; great-grandchildren, Wesley and Addison Allen, Isabella, Chase, and Riot Shoop. Joanne and Jolene Allred, Raelynn Hays, Quinn and Lane ; one sister, Charlotte Allen (Jesse); one brother, Tim (Cheri) Allen; several nieces and nephews, Melody Brown, Caleb (Anna) Bowman, Charles Burkhardt (Mariel), Brady (Felicia) Bentley, Chelsey (Matt) Koening, Foster Allen (Katie), Grace Sackrey (Travis); several great nieces and nephews, Brittney Rizzo, Amber Lindsey, Austin Brown, Parker and Lily Koenig, Shelby, Nora, Blair Allen; one aunt Judy Bevelle.

He was proceeded in death by his son, Jamie Allen and parents, Vern Sr. and Palma Jean Allen.

Vern will be remembered for his strong work ethic and simple joys he found in country life and community traditions.

Service Information

Visitation

Thursday May 7, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Funeral Service

Friday May 8, 2026, at 10:00am

Location

Heritage Funeral Home Chillicothe, MO

Lunch will be provided for family and friends after the service at Chula Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations for the Northwest Steam and Gas Engine Association of Hamilton, MO. Donations may be left at Heritage Funeral Home.