LAWRENCE — Christopher T. Allen, devoted husband, loving father, faithful deacon, distinguished engineer and beloved professor, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 14, surrounded by his family.
Born in Independence, Missouri, on Oct. 7, 1958, to the late Raymond and Margaret Allen, Allen’s life was marked by love, faith and an unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
His lifelong love story with his wife Peggy (Gooding) began in first grade when he expressed his affection through a get-well-soon card — a devotion he carried on throughout their lives together. The couple began their married life in Lawrence in 1980. Soon after completing his Ph.D. in 1984, Allen and his family moved to New Mexico for work in the defense industry.
In 1992, the family returned to the Kansas City area, where Allen began his career as a professor in the department of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Kansas. Over the years, he became a renowned researcher, holding numerous patents. His work was a reflection of his passion for innovation and his commitment to a safer world.
He was not only a dedicated researcher but also an inspiring teacher and mentor. His excellence in education earned him many prestigious awards. Above all, he cherished the opportunity to guide and inspire his students, sharing with them the same love of discovery that defined his life.
Rooted deeply in the Catholic faith to which he converted in 2005, Allen was ordained in 2020 as part of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ third deacon cohort. He grew to be beloved by his deacon community, and he found immense joy in serving his parish and community. His kindness, humility and unwavering dedication to others were living testaments to his faith and love for God.
Deacon Allen will be remembered as a man of profound intellect, deep compassion, great humor and steadfast love for his family.
He is survived by his wife Peggy; his children — Katie, Chris, Emily and Anna; three siblings; and nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas or Corpus Christi School in Lawrence, honoring Deacon Allen’s lifelong devotion to faith, family and education.
