James LaRue Allen, 68, died Sept. 18, 2015, at Via Christi St. Francis. He was born Sept. 25, 1946, in Ohio County, Ky., to Effron and Marjorie (Underhill) Allen.

James LaRue graduated Horse Branch High School in Horse Branch, Kentucky, in 1964. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal from 1966-1968, during the Vietnam War. James LaRue worked in the road construction industry, working most recently at APAC Shears Construction for 29 years, retiring as Vice-President of Construction. He also served as president of the Kansas Contractor's Association for two years. He was a member of Eastwood Church of Christ.

On March 9, 1968, he married Velma Jean Cook in Caneyville, Ky. She survives. Other survivors include: daughter, Amy Patrece Allen and husband Todd and their children, Levi Austin and Seth Patrick; son, Chad LaRue Allen and wife Angela and their children, Connor LaRue, Emily LaRue, and Chloe Nicole, all of Hutchinson; sister, Debbie Beatty and husband Mike of Beaver Dam, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Wanda Allen of Rosine, Ky., and Vadie Cook of Leitchfield, Ky.; brother-in-law, Randel Dockery of Bowling Green, Ky.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: parents; son, James Patrick Allen; granddaughter, Abigail Patrece Allen; sisters, Stella Dockery, Bernadine Adams, Dortha Renfrow; and brother, Lantie Allen.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Jimie-Wray Mead officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson. Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Reno County or Eastwood Church of Christ, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchison, KS 67501.