John Devere Allender, 85, died Nov. 16, 2005, at his daughter's home, Tulsa, Okla.

He was born May 10, 1920, in Kingman, the son of John and Katherine Devinish Allender. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1939. A longtime Hutchinson resident, he was the owner of Verg and Johns Conoco and co-owner of Johnson-Allender Meat Locker.

He belonged to St. Teresa's Catholic Church, attended St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Tulsa, Okla., V.F.W. Bob Campbell Post No. 1361, Knights of Columbus, the MensClub and was a former usher at both churches. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, during World War II.

He married Alrene Nordstadt. She died in 1978. He then married Phyllis Ballantyne. She died in 2003.

Survivors include: a daughter, Janet Rice and husband, Glenn, Tulsa, Okla.; and four grandchildren, David Rice and wife, Richell, Tulsa, Okla., James Rice and wife, Jeanine, Orlando, Fla., Matthew Rice and wife, Kalyn, Sand Springs, Okla., and Jonny Rice, San Francisco.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Allender; a brother, James; and a sister, Mary Dondlinger.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Father Stuart M. Smeltzer presiding. Visitation will be from noon to 4 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Memorials may be sent to the St. Teresa's Catholic Church, in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be left for the family at www.elliottmortuary.com.