Obituary for Allan Lundeen

Allan Jay Lundeen

August 24, 1932 – November 4, 2021

Allan Jay Lundeen (89) of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on November 4, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 24, 1932, in New York City to GE and Winifred Lundeen, but at an early age the family moved to a farm near Fowler, Kansas.

After graduating from Fowler High School, he earned a Chemistry BS degree at Southwestern College, Winfield KS in 1954. He then completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Rice University in June 1957 on an NSF scholarship. That same year he launched his lifelong career as a research scientist/Director with Conoco, DuPont, Cain, and Oxy Chemicals that spanned 36 years with over 30 patents to his credit. His work helped make significant improvements in polymer quality, manufacturing, and safety. Allan retired in 1993 but his curiosity and interest in inventing continued. Southwestern honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus with induction into the Natural Science Hall of Fame, and he served on their board of directors for numerous years.

While at Southwestern, Allan met Janet Ann Bigler. They were married August 8, 1954. For nearly 30 years, they built their home in Ponca City, OK and raised four sons. Allan was an active loving father – helping with science projects, teaching how to use tools, and coaching little league. When Allan’s first wife passed away in 1986, Allan fortuitously found a second soul mate in Barbara Ashworth. They were married on September 19, 1987, and her daughter became a welcomed integral part of the family. (He finally got a daughter.) In 1988 Cain Chemical moved Allan and Barbara to Clearlake, TX, and then upon retirement they moved to Austin.

In addition to his 5 children, Al’s family includes 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Both he and Barbara enjoyed their children and gg/grandkids very much and maintained a constant presence in their lives by attending many of their activities and celebrations.

Christian faith, church, and community service were always a high priority for both Allan and his family. Allan was a founding member of St Paul’s UMC. He served many years as church elder at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and also served the church with wood working, facility projects and on mission trips to Nicaragua. Allan readily volunteered time and gave to Salvation Army, Ponca Child Development Center, Austin Manos de Cristo, and various other charities. He often juggled multiple personal, community, and church projects simultaneously. He tackled several large home remodeling projects and oversaw the construction of three homes. Allan was a constant learner, inventor and problem solver.

He enjoyed playing volleyball and tennis. In the last few years, he could still win games in ping pong. Allan was an airplane pilot and had ownership in several planes during his lifetime. He enjoyed flying to the grass runway near Fowler, KS to visit the family farm. During retirement in Austin, he built and flew an experimental four-passenger airplane. During retirement Barbara and he traveled extensively with family and friends to places throughout the U.S and world.

Whether working, volunteering, or with family, Allan was a gentle but strong leader who led by example. He strived to bring out the best in others and find common ground on problems. One of his legacies is how much every family member has been influenced by Allan’s example of bringing out the best, caring for, and supporting each other in every situation. He is loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Austin – daughter: Anisa Bain of Frisco, TX – sons: Bill (Patti) of Bartlesville, OK, David (Debbie) of Steamboat Springs, CO, Calvin (Helen) of Lynchburg, VA, Joe (Stacey) of Austin, TX – grandchildren: Rex (Sarah); Ben (Anna); Ellen (Ricky); Anna (Ty); Leah (Patrick); Roy; John (Samantha); David (Lindsay); Mary; Elena; Eric; Sydney, and 14 great grandchildren. Allan is also survived by his brother Doug Lundeen (Eva) of Wamego, KS.

A graveside burial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 13 at Resthaven Cemetery, Ponca City, Oklahoma with a brief reception following at St Paul’s United Methodist Church. A viewing at the funeral chapel will be that morning 10-12.

A memorial service will be held Saturday December 4th at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX at 2 p.m.

If you would like to give in honor of Allan please consider the following charities: Manos de Cristo of Austin, Austin Samaritans (Nicaraguan ministry), The Gathering (Alzheimer’s) at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church of Austin, and Texas Alzheimer’s Association.