Allen Pownell age 81, of rural Hitchcock, died on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at Sanford (USD) Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

His Funeral service will be1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Hitchcock, SD, with burial at the Altoona Cemetery in rural Hitchcock.

Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Monday, July 6, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron, SD, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Monday night; or one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Allen Pownell the son of Holly and Alice (Johnston) Pownell was born on December 9, 1927, in Broadland, SD. He attended grade school in Fairfield Township and graduated from Hitchcock High School.

In 1945, Allen married Irma Mortimer. Two children were born to this marriage, Vicki and Mark. On August 4, 1959, Allen married LaVonne Oechsle in Minnesota. After their marriage they lived in Sioux Falls and Hitchcock before moving to Milan, IL. The couple then moved back to Hitchcock in the fall of 1996 where they have lived since that time.

Allen worked as a diesel mechanic for Olsen Implement in Hitchcock, SD for many years. He also owned and operated his own repair shop called Docs Repair.

Allen was a member of the Hitchcock United Methodist Church and Hitchcock Senior Center. He was also an active member of the Rock Island Evening Lions Club. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Mark Pownell of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Vicki (Jim) Pate of Hamilton, AL; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother, James (Ada) Pownell of Huron; sister, Mable McDaniel of Huron, SD; sister-in-law, Velma Pownell of Watertown, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVonne in 2008; 5 brothers, Floyd, Glen, Lewis, Harold, and Clinton Pownell; and sister, Leela Seeley.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allens name to the Hitchcock United Methodist Church, or the Hitchcock Senior Citizens Center.