Allan Ewing Hazlett

Allan Ewing Hazlett, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at a Topeka care facility. He was born March 17, 1943, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Allan R. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Abels) Ewing. Emerson Hazlett later adopted Allan after marrying Betty.

Allan spent his early years in Lawrence, Kansas, often visiting his paternal grandparents’ home. His grandmother, Sally, was famous for hosting imaginative children’s parties with themes like Alice in Wonderland and Hobo adventures. Allan’s father tragically lost his life in the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve, 1944. Afterward, his mother, Betty, relocated to Denver to teach. A few years later, upon returning to Lawrence, Betty met Emerson, a former POW, and the family eventually settled in Topeka.

Allan attended Randolph Elementary, Boswell Middle School, and graduated from Topeka High School in 1961. During high school, he discovered his love for theatre under the guidance of his drama teacher, Martha Herrick—a passion that would stay with him throughout his life.

In the fall of 1961, Allan enrolled at the University of Kansas, majoring in Accounting, while remaining active in theatre. He apprenticed at Bucks County Playhouse in Pennsylvania, working alongside future stars such as Merv Griffin, Eileen Brennan, and Pat Hingle. One summer, Allan considered joining the Marines and later transferred to the Navy, but medical reasons brought him back to college. Upon his return, he met Peggy, who would become his lifelong partner.

Allan and Peggy first crossed paths on a double date arranged by their roommates. After several years of dating, they married on April 1, 1965, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, just before leaving for Spring Break. They spent their honeymoon in New Orleans and returned to Kansas that fall, where Allan began law school at the University of Kansas. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1968, and the couple moved to Topeka to start Allan’s legal career and Peggy’s teaching career.

Travel was one of Allan and Peggy’s greatest joys. They explored destinations with their children, with friends, and sometimes as part of Allan’s law practice. Favorite family trips included Christmas in Taos, New Mexico, where Chris and Rob wondered if Santa could find them—he did, with gifts in tow. Later, with Ryan joining the family, they visited landmarks and quirky attractions across the Midwest. Among their closest travel companions were Phil and Nancy Wolff, with whom they enjoyed cruises, trips to Key West, and frequent visits to Florida’s Panhandle. While work occasionally took them on the road, their most cherished adventures were personal: a romantic celebration of their 40th anniversary in Paris, a 50th anniversary private tour of the Vatican in Rome. Allan and Peggy shared 56 wonderful years together until Peggy’s passing in 2021.

Professionally, Allan dedicated more than 55 years to law in Topeka. After graduating in 1968, he practiced for several years before successfully running for Judge of the Shawnee County Magistrate Court in 1972, serving four years. Returning to private practice, Allan became a defense attorney for a prominent firm before opening his own office. A pivotal moment came when a pregnant woman sought his help with an adoption. That case sparked Allan’s lifelong commitment to connecting birth mothers with adoptive families—a calling that became the most rewarding part of his career. Peggy later joined him in the practice, and together they placed more than 300 children with loving parents. Allan also taught Adoption Law as an adjunct professor at Washburn Law School, mentoring future attorneys like Lisa Williams, who continues his legacy. His leadership extended nationally as President of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys from 2000 to 2001.

Beyond law, Allan was a passionate actor for nearly five decades, performing in countless productions at Topeka Civic Theatre and other venues. His credits included On Golden Pond, A Christmas Carol, Chapter Two, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Lion in Winter, and The Odd Couple. He earned numerous awards and was part of the nationally recognized cast of I’m Getting My Act Together…. Allan was also an early member of The Drunkard alongside his friend Phil Grecian and appeared in Showcase Dinner Theatre productions such as Sleuth, Steambath, Never Too Late, and Busybody.

Allan’s devotion to the University of Kansas was unwavering. A fourth-generation Jayhawk, he proudly passed that tradition to his children—Christopher and Robert—and his granddaughter Whitney, making her the sixth generation. Countless hours were spent cheering for KU basketball, football, baseball, KU Relays, and the marching band strengthened this family bond. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK! GO KU!

Peggy preceded him in death on September 10, 2021. Daughter-in-law Tamra Dennis proceeded Allan in death on June 26th, 2021. Survivors include three children, Christopher (Jessica) Hazlett of Shawnee, Kansas, Robert (Traci) Hazlett of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Ryan Hazlett of Topeka, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his brother, Stan Hazlett of Lawrence, Kansas.

A Celebration of Allan's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel where the family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. prior to service time. A reception will follow the service. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Gift of Adoption, 1200 Shermer Rd Suite 111, Northbrook, IL 60062 https://giftofadoption.org/, Williams Fund for KU Athletics, 1651 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045-4069 or your local humane shelter.

Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message online, please visit wwwDoveTopeka.com.