Allen Lee Gosser
1935 - 2024
Allen Lee Gosser, Codell, passed away on February 11, 2024, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 88.
He was born on August 18, 1935, to Theodore H. and Foila B. (Joy) Gosser in Hays, Kansas.
Allen grew up in Hays near the Buckeye area. He graduated from Hays High School in 1953 with an accounting scholarship to attend Fort Hays State University. Instead of becoming an accountant he chose his dream of driving a cattle truck across the country. On August 11, 1955, he jackknifed his semi and broke his hip, which landed him in the hospital for his 21st birthday. While trucking, he met Donna at a truck stop in Grand Island, where she was a waitress. He was united in marriage to Donna Stevenson on September 13, 1958, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple moved to Plainville and started their family. They were blessed with three children. While Allen continued trucking, the family then moved east of Hays to the family farm to help his dad. In May 1965, the family moved to the Codell farm, making it their forever home.
He wore hats of many trades, including farmer/rancher, truck driver, school bus driver, grain elevator operator, waterman, oilfield pumper, self-made police chief (slowing people down), Codell Mayor, Santa Claus, and many more. His last truck driving job was hauling fuel. He retired at the age of 76, in 2011.
Allen enjoyed playing cards, late-night dancing and breakfasts, Plainville Cardinals, KC Chiefs, Royals, K-State, KU, and Wichita State ball games. His favorite thing was spending time with his family and friends. He never met a stranger. He always made you smile and laugh and was willing to help anyone.
He is survived by his children, Connie Jo Austin of the home in Codell, Lorrie Bland of Plainville, and Robert Gosser of Plainville; sister, Alice (Jim) Stramel; sisters-in-law, Shirley Spencer and Eileen Gosser; five grandchildren, Alan (Lori) Austin, Jennifer (Dan) Gibbons, Lance Gosser, Traci (Logan) Burns, and Rachel (Blake) Lundstrom; thirteen great-grandchildren, Trevor, Thomas, Cale, Lana, Emmitt, Sutton, Jacob, Nora, Katy, Lucas, Hudson, Anniston, Greta and one on the way; and many other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; siblings, Velma Baker, Bonnie Wyatt, Arnold Gosser, and Harvey Gosser; sister-in-law, Fern Johnson; brothers-in-law, Don Baker, Bud Wyatt, Gerald Spencer, and Jim Johnson.
A Funeral Service was held at the Codell Community Church on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:30 am.
Memorial are suggested to Rooks County Health Center, Codell Community Church, or Codell Community Service Club and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd. Plainville, KS 67663.
