Allen Ray Lathem

love for family and faith. The only child of Clayton L. Lathem and Mabel Black Lathem, he was born on Christmas Day 1946 in Wichita, Kansas. One of Allen’s favorite joys as a kid was spending time on his grandparents’ farm in Jewell County, Kansas. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, nature, and family. He was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Wichita High School South’s Class of 1965. Allen went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Wichita State University and served six years in the Kansas National Guard,

achieving the rank of Sta􀆯 Sergeant.

Allen met his first wife, Trudy Hall, while “dragging Douglas,” and the two built a beautiful life together during their forty-three years of marriage. They raised two children, Chris and Teresa, and filled their home with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of many beloved dogs— especially their Dobermans. Family life included camping trips, boating adventures, and countless weekends spent on soccer fields. Although Allen had never played soccer himself, he became a successful AYSO coach, leading the Wichita Wildcats all-star traveling team to victories in national tournaments through his enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to his players.

Allen took tremendous pride in his long and accomplished career. He began working at a young age, delivering newspapers in high school before taking a job at Shakey’s Pizza while attending college. His professional journey later included stops at the Coleman Factory, Litwin Engineers, Boeing, and Spirit AeroSystems. His construction background from Litwin earned him a unique role at Boeing, where he audited procurement contracts and became instrumental in transforming the bid process. With a $25 million signature authority, Allen earned memorable nicknames from suppliers and colleagues— “Chainsaw,” “Barracuda,” and “EF Hutton”—each reflecting his sharp mind, high standards, and respect from others. His employment took him around the world on fact-finding missions before eventually retiring from Spirit in 2013 after a distinguished and impactful career.

After Trudy’s passing, Allen was blessed to find love again when he met Mary Brock in 2012. They married in 2013, and Allen moved to Olathe, where they built a joyful and adventure-filled life together. Their travels began with a honeymoon trip to Italy and continued with trips to Hawaii, Israel, France, and Great Britain. They cherished time spent with their grandchildren and embraced every opportunity to explore the world side by side.

Faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout Allen’s life. As a young husband and father, he and Trudy were active members of West Side United Methodist Church, where they built friendships and raised their children in a community of faith. Over the years, Allen and Trudy became lifelong members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer. They were active members of the Faith Meets Life class, forming many dear and lasting friendships. After moving to Olathe, he worshipped with Mary at her home church Knox Presbyterian. Together, they lived their faith through daily morning devotional readings and working to combat human tra􀆯icking in their community. Allen’s faith shaped his character: steady, compassionate, humble, and generous.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Mabel Lathem, and by his first wife, Trudy Hall Lathem. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Brock-Lathem; his son Christopher Lathem (Linda); his daughter Dr. Teresa Burks (Freddie); stepson Patrick Brock (Becky); stepson Danny Brock (Heidi); grandchildren Abigail Pauly (Hook), Dr. Madison Lathem, Reagan Lathem, Andrew Lathem, and Niya Burks; and step-grandchildren Will Brock, Jackson Brock, Collins Brock, and Austin Brock.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (7901W 21st Street North, Wichita, KS). A burial service will follow at Resthaven (11800 US-54, Wichita, KS) at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Allen will be remembered for his sharp wit, his loyalty, his work ethic, deep faith and the pride he took in his family. His life was full, his impact lasting, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.