Allen K. Haller, fondly called Mr. Grumps by his grandchildren, was born Dec. 13, 1927, in Portland, Ore., to Norman Haller and Vivian Baty. He died peacefully at his home in Des Moines on Aug. 4.

He descended from a pioneer family who settled in the Oregon Territory in 1845. Allen went to Milwaukee grade school, Grant High School in Portland and was a graduate in chemical engineering from Oregon State University. He served his country as an army officer in Italy at the end of World War II and again in Korea.

Allen started his career at Crown Zellerbach Company in West Linn, Ore. He then helped design, construct and start chemical plants in Lebanon, Ore., Bogalusa, La., and Port Townsend. He ended his career at the corporate engineering office in Seattle. After retirement he worked 17 tax seasons at the Des Moines H & R Block office.

He was a long-time member of St. Columba Episcopal Church and was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new church in Kent. He enjoyed and supported the arts including the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Youth Symphony, Seattle Repertory Theatre and PBS.

Allen was an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Elks, Rotary and Town and Gown.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary O. Barnes; his children Jeff (Mary), Mark (Linda), Nancy, Robert (Wendy), and Susan; special family friends Susan and David Stokes; and grandchildren Kristina, Rachel, John, Cassandra, Grace, Cole, Carie, David and Buddy and four great-grandchildren.

The Memorial Service was held at St. Columba Episcopal Church in Kent on Aug. 11. Interment was at Tahoma National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sarvey Wildlife Center, P.O. Box 3590, Arlington, WA 98223 or to your local food bank.