Karl David Allen

Sunrise: May 28, 1935, Albany, New York

Sunset: July 31, 2026, Tucson, Arizona

Karl David Allen completed his earthly responsibilities on July 31, 2026.

Born May 28, 1935, Karl was the son of Victoria Hollowell Allen and Sergeant Everett J. Allen.

Karl spent his early years in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army and his mother worked as a civilian bookkeeper in the Canal Zone Administration offices.

The Panama Canal-often regarded as an engineering marvel and the eighth wonder of the world-was woven into the very fabric of Karl's life. Growing up within sight of the Gatun Locks, he watched ships from every corner of the globe make their passage. The flags flown by those transiting ships sparked a lifelong fascination with the world beyond the horizon and ignited his desire to learn about other countries, their histories, and their people.

Karl's connection to the Canal and the Isthmus was both personal and adventurous. He learned to swim and fish in Gatun Lake and the Caribbean. He also developed a deep affection for trains, frequently riding the Trans-Isthmus Railway, where his grandfather served as a conductor. The ships, flags, railway, and rich history of the Canal Zone shaped Karl's curious spirit and connected him deeply to his family's heritage.

When the family was stationed in Washington state, they welcomed Karl's baby sister, Rita. Soon after her arrival, Sergeant Allen was deployed to serve in World War II. At the time, his overseas location was undisclosed; only years later did the family learn that his first deployment was to the Aleutian Islands. He would also serve in the European theater. During his absence, Victoria returned home to her parents in the Canal Zone, bringing the children back to the familiar surroundings of the Isthmus.

After Pearl Harbor, concern over a possible attack on the Panama Canal intensified, and all non-essential civilians were evacuated to the United States. With German U-boat activity in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans making travel by sea too dangerous, civilian evacuees were flown through Mexico to Texas. Karl recalled the order that all civilian airplane windows be covered pre-flight, preventing passengers from viewing U.S. Army installations protecting the Canal from enemy attack. From Texas, the family continued by train to Indiana, where they lived with Hollowell relatives for the duration of the war.

Sergeant Allen honorably served his country in both World War II and the Korean War. His military service took the family to various bases including Georgia, Montana, and California, where they embraced each new assignment and made a home wherever duty called.

While living at Fort Missoula, Karl attended Missoula County High School, where he was active in his church youth group and the DECA program. It was during these formative years that he met Lynn Castle, the woman who would become his beloved wife of 62 years.

Karl's grandfather, retired from the Canal Zone, joined the family in Missoula. Living on base, together he and Karl grew vegetables and flowers in the Army's allotted garden plots. His grandfather's green thumb kept his and many other service families, supplied with fresh vegetables. Karl carried that love of gardening with him throughout his life.

During their time in Montana, Karl and his grandfather explored the Bitterroot Mountains and cherished frequent fishing and camping trips to Lolo Pass. Hiking the storied Lolo Trail-following the legendary footsteps of Lewis and Clark and Chief Joseph-deepened Karl's lifelong passion for history and the great outdoors.

In 1953 Karl began his course of study at the University of Montana, Missoula, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He would go on to earn a master's degree in counseling.

In 1958, Karl accepted a position teaching History, Civics and Contemporary Problems and Journalism at Hot Springs County High School in Thermopolis, Wyo. Karl sponsored Student Council, mentored journalism students producing the school newspaper and yearbook, served as the Mock Trial advisor, and directed student plays. He also became known as "the Voice of the Bobcats," faithfully announcing home football games for many years.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Karl taught five generations of Thermopolis students, leaving a lasting impression on countless young lives. Through humor, political cartoons, flags of the world, human stories, and tangible objects, he brought history and civics to life, making each lesson meaningful and relevant to his teenage students. He delighted in capturing their attention with memorable sayings such as, "It's fun to know things," and "the knowledge is free. But bring your own container."

In Karl's classroom, characters such as Snoopy, Gumby, Winnie-the-Pooh, Raggedy Ann, and the Elephant's Child stood alongside towering historical, political, military, literary, and cultural figures from the past and present. Through his creativity and enthusiasm, he transformed textbook theories and concepts into vivid, real-world experiences that inspired his students to remain curious and engaged with the world around them.

Karl was profoundly inspired by the lives, careers, and accomplishments of his students. Long after graduation, he followed their life journeys. He felt truly honored and humbled that so many former students remained in touch over the years. He cherished those lasting connections and the opportunity to see the remarkable people they became.

For 25 years, Karl and Lynn coordinated the Close-Up program for high schools across Wyoming, including Hot Springs County High School. Through this nationwide program, students traveled to Washington, D.C., to experience firsthand how the federal government operates. They met with senators and members of Congress, explored national monuments, learned to navigate the city using public transportation, and gained a deeper understanding of the work of elected and appointed officials. Close-Up also offered meaningful professional learning opportunities for teachers, extending Karl and Lynn's influence far beyond their own classroom and community.

Karl and Lynn hosted German teachers studying education and communities in the United States through the German Marshall Fund. The visiting teachers spent two weeks in an urban setting, two weeks in a rural setting, and two weeks in Washington, D.C., as part of a program intended to foster cultural and intellectual exchange between German and American educators. Their German guests were amazed by Wyoming's open spaces and distances between Wyoming communities, the state's natural beauty, and sparse population. Their top requests included meeting real cowboys, visiting a working ranch, and exploring Native American and Western history. They enjoyed hiking in and around Thermopolis and in the Bighorn and Wind River mountains, as well as swimming in the local hot mineral waters.

Karl participated in a reciprocal teacher exchange through the Fund, spending two weeks with a teacher in East Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall, followed by two weeks in West Berlin. He brought the insights and experiences gained through these exchanges back to his classroom and his colleagues.

Karl was recognized for his educational leadership through numerous awards and grants. In 1969 he was named Wyoming Teacher of the Year. He also received the 1992 Horatio Alger Educator of the Year Award. Karl was further honored for his contributions to education when, in 2011, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wyoming.

His grants and fellowships provided opportunities for continued study throughout his life. He spent summers studying the likes of Henry Ford, the assembly line, and American manufacturing in Michigan; George Washington and the Revolutionary War at Mount Vernon; and the Civil War at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His visits to Gettysburg and other battlefields further strengthened his fascination with cannons, troop movements, and battle strategy.

While studying Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Karl stayed in an outbuilding on the property. One memorable evening, his group was treated to a meal in Jefferson's dining room, featuring recipes from Jefferson's era. The staff wore period costumes, and the room was lit only by candlelight. After dinner, a descendant of Jefferson spoke to the group. With his forebear's coloring and build, standing in the candlelit room and reading excerpts from Jefferson's writings, it seemed as though Jefferson himself were present.

Fulbright-Hays awards gave Karl the opportunity to study in Pakistan, India, and Egypt, where he engaged with educators, political officials, students, and local citizens. Learning from in-country experts deepened his understanding of U.S. relations with each nation, the challenges facing its people, and the rich histories of these places. One of the highlights of his travels was meeting Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

Karl's travels reinforced his belief that the more he learned, the more there was to discover. His curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm for knowledge never waned. He remained a lifelong student and devoted educator, bringing history to life through vivid stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the world. Even at age 91, Karl continued to teach. Once a week, he led a 30-minute class, On This Day in History, for seniors living in a retirement community. The class was so popular that it regularly drew a standing-room-only audience.

Karl leaves behind a long and distinguished legacy of public service to the people of Wyoming, driven by a profound belief in civic duty and community engagement. A dedicated leader, he was a member of the Town Council, served three terms as the Mayor of Thermopolis, and served as a two-term County Commissioner, eventually presiding as Commission Chairman. His commitment to his country was equally steadfast, spanning 23 years in the National Guard where he attained the rank of Captain.

Beyond his military service and elected roles, Karl was deeply committed to his community. A lifetime member of the Kiwanis Club, he also belonged to the American Legion, Masons, and Elks Club. His appreciation for local history led him to join both the Hot Springs County and Wyoming State Historical Societies. He also served his neighbors as a member of the Senior Citizen Board of Directors.

A devoted member of the Community Federated Church, Karl served faithfully alongside his wife, Lynn, contributing his time to the church board and numerous committees. His resonant voice was a fixture in the church choir, and he was frequently called upon to deliver the Sunday sermon. Deeply respected for his faith and compassion, Karl felt truly honored whenever friends requested that he officiate the funeral services for their loved ones.

Karl married Lynn Castle in 1960, and together they made Thermopolis their home for 55 years. They raised two daughters, Kimberly and Wendy. Following retirement, Karl and Lynn moved to Tucson to be closer to family and to enjoy a respite from Wyoming winters, though Thermopolis always remained home in their hearts.

Karl is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Allen and Wendy Allen-Mattias (Willie); grandson, Marcus Mattias; granddaughter, Nevaeh Mattias; and Allen, Jordan, and Hollowell cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynn Castle Allen; mother, Victoria Hollowell Allen; father, Everett J. Allen; and sister, Rita Allen Rand.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Way Presbyterian Church, 4040 South Bilbray Avenue, Tucson AZ, on August 29, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In memory of Karl, some may wish to support organizations he cared about and supported including:

The Allen Magnetti Scholarship Fund, benefiting high school graduates who wish to continue their education – http://www.hotspringsendowment.org EIN: 83-0296844

Hot Springs County Museum – 700 Broadway Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443.

Gospel Rescue Mission – Through partnerships with health care providers, educational institutions, social service agencies, and local employers, the Gospel Rescue Mission helps individuals reconnect with-and thrive within-the community from which they were once disconnected. https://www.grmtucson.com

Or a Charity of your choice