Allan Keith Karpen | Obituary

Allan Keith Karpen | Obituary

June 21, 1944 – April 9, 2024

Allan Keith Karpen was born to Margaret and Warren at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. He lived in the South King County area, graduated from Kent- Meridian High School, and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Japan and the U.S.

Allan’s commitment to his community was unwavering. After graduating from Kent-Meridian High School, he began his career at Boeing before transitioning to a role at Teamsters Local 174, where he drove local trucks for Western Cartage, American Steel, and Nelson Trucking. His dedication to safety was evident through his involvement in numerous safety committees and his multiple safety awards. He also took joy in organizing company picnics for Western Cartage and American Steel, fostering a sense of camaraderie among his colleagues. Allan’s community involvement extended beyond his workplace, as he was an active volunteer for the Boeing Classic, serving as the Chairman of Transportation for the golfers from 2006-2013.

Allan’s love for his family was a cornerstone of his life. He cherished his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. Known affectionately as “Papa Al,” he was admired for his sense of humor, quiet strength, and strong work ethic. His pride in his children and grandchildren was immeasurable, and he often showed his sentimental side. He loved coffee in a cup, little fuzzy pups, whiskey in a glass, and grass. He was a dedicated coach for his kids’ soccer teams and a memorable figure on the sidelines, rooting for his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret (Suzy) (George) Eims, brothers David (Terry) and John (Betty), and sons David Hewitt and Robert French. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan; daughters Roxanne and April (Matt); sons Mark Hewitt and David French; granddaughters Alaina (Damon), Amanda (Zach), Katie, and Christina (Dallas); grandsons Trevor, Logan and Jaxon, great-grandchildren Peyton, Zoe, Olivia, Amelia, Ronin and Joseph Allan, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Al loved honest, open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine, and onions. He loved winners when they cry, losers when they try, music when it’s good, and life. And he loved you, too.

Service will be held May 31st at 9:30AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at LLSWA.org.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Obituaries

Irene Burlile Eckfeldt | Obituary
Irene Burlile Eckfeldt | Obituary

July 15, 1935- September 21, 2024 Irene Burlile Eckfeldt was born with… Continue reading

David Jules Harris | Obituary
David Jules Harris | Obituary

November 24, 1945 – May 26, 2024 David Jules Harris passed away… Continue reading

MaryLou Becvar | Obituary
MaryLou Becvar | Obituary

October 12, 1937- July 21, 2024 MaryLou Dinning Becvar passed away peacefully… Continue reading

Dr. Larry D. Faris | Obituary
Dr. Larry D. Faris | Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr.… Continue reading

Irene Bartley | Obituary
Irene Bartley | Obituary

Irene B Bartley, lifelong resident of Kent passed away July 1st 2024.… Continue reading

Alexander Ryan Kusulos | Obituary
Alexander Ryan Kusulos | Obituary

12/28/1982 – 7/24/2024 Forever 41 In the still of the night on… Continue reading

Eric Robert Christian Reitan | Obituary
Eric Robert Christian Reitan | Obituary

Eric Robert Christian Reitan, age 84, passed away after battling aggressive Lymphoma… Continue reading

Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary
Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary

Major Walter T. Tanimoto, U.S. Army (Ret.), a distinguished veteran, volunteer, and… Continue reading

James Cantrell | Obituary
James Cantrell | Obituary

May 30, 1930 - May 30, 2024 James Horace (Jim) Cantrell passed… Continue reading

Merilyn Catlin | Obituary
Merilyn Catlin | Obituary

May 28, 1949 - May 6, 2024 Merilyn Catlin was born in… Continue reading

Maureen L. Ludwig | Obituary
Maureen L. Ludwig | Obituary

February 4, 1935 - April 27, 2024 Maureen L. Ludwig, a beacon… Continue reading

Allan Keith Karpen | Obituary
Allan Keith Karpen | Obituary

June 21, 1944 - April 9, 2024 Allan Keith Karpen was born… Continue reading