[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLIE ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor and remember the 
life of Charlie Allen, a dedicated community leader and philanthropist, 
who left a profound impact on the Marshall County Airport and the 
Lacon, Illinois community.
  Born in Peoria, Illinois in 1933, Charlie displayed natural 
leadership qualities at a young age. Charlie graduated from Michigan 
State University in 1955 and immediately enlisted in the United States 
Air Force, where he first fell in love with aviation.
  Following Charlie's service to our country, he returned to Lacon to 
run the family business, the Allen Lumber Company. In 2005, Charlie 
retired from the Allen Lumber Company, but that did not stop him from 
making an impact around the community. Charlie's love for the Lacon 
community is evident in his commitment to the local Rotary Club, where 
he never missed a meeting in over 50 years.
  Charlie served on numerous boards, including the First National Bank 
of Lacon and the Lacon Chamber of Commerce. But, everyone knew 
Charlie's favorite board to serve on was the Marshall County Airport, 
which he was the president of from 1966 until his passing. It was 
Charlie's effort that brought together the first Fly-in Breakfast, now 
held annually on Father's Day, and has become one of the biggest 
attractions in the area.
  We mourn the passing of Charlie, a friend and co-pilot to many. He 
left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of working and 
flying with him. His memory will be forever entwined in the fabric of 
the Lacon community and the Marshall County Airport.

                          ____________________