William Russell Allen Jr.

William Russell Allen Jr. MD died May 13, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 80. 

Will was born to William R. Allen Sr. MD and Dorothy Lee Miller-Allen on April 18, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. William Sr. was an intern at Philadelphia General Hospital at the time of Will Jr’s birth. Will Jr. traveled with his parents during his father’s military service and spent a year in Tokyo Japan. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where his father practiced Radiology. Will attended Stony Point South grade school in Muncie, KS and subsequently went to Washington Rural High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Will participated in CrossCountry and Basketball during high school. Growing up in western Wyandotte County, Will was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as Nature Director at Camp Nash in Bonner Springs for two summer seasons during his college years. He attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO through his junior year where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Will completed his college degree at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Following his college graduation Will attended Dental School at St Louis University in St. Louis, MO for three years. In his final year of dental school, Will decided to instead pursue a degree in Medicine. Will graduated from University of Kansas Medical School in 1980, and completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO in 1984. Diagnostic Radiology practice began with his father and brother Tim in Kansas City, Kansas and Leavenworth, Kansas for several years at ALLEN, ALLEN, ALLEN Radiology. He subsequently practiced Radiology in Great Bend, KS. and completed his practice career in Pratt, KS. Will was respected by his colleagues and peers as an excellent diagnostic radiologist.

Will had a larger than life personality and a strong spirit of adventure. His sense of fun made him a joy to be around. He particularly enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and jet skis. He travelled widely, read everything, and loved to share those stories with family and friends, for whom he would do anything. He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

Preceding him in death were his Father William R. Allen Sr MD and Mother Dorothy Lee Miller-Allen. Will is survived by his two daughters Gwendolyn Allen, husband Brett Eakins; Sarah Dessert, husband Graham. Six grandchildren Esme, Gianna, Issac, Maria, Dean, and Cecilia. Two great grandchildren Penelope and Obi. Two brothers Timothy Allen MD, wife Anita and Mark Allen MD.

A celebration of life will be held on July 6th from 4:00 – 7:00 at J.W. Crancer’s, 530 Delaware St., Leavenworth KS 66048. All are welcome.