Claude Allkins

Claude “Red” Allkins, 91, of Benton Harbor passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph with his family by his side. “Red” was born in St. Joseph to Edna and Claude Allkins, Sr. He graduated from BHHS in 1939, playing football in high school and semi-pro football after his military service. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as an airplane mechanic. After the war he worked for Whirlpool Corporation for 40 years, retiring in 1985. Claude enjoyed golfing, football, woodworking, meeting with the “over the hill gang” and time with the family. He was a member of the United Methodist Peace Temple until its doors closed in 2009. Red and his wife Betty were happily married for 39 years. Claude is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty”, daughter Linda (Bernie) Lieberg of St. Joseph, sons Michael (Linda Hirvonen) of Marquette and Patrick (Jan Frizzo) of Kalamazoo; step-children Lynn Lombardo of Benton Harbor, Greg (Marybeth) Bennett of Atlanta, GA, Allen (Judy) Bennett of Greenbush, MI, Phil Bennett of Watervliet and Kim (Joe) Hunt of Mattawan; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; his sister Doris (Lee) Champagne of St. Joseph and brothers Vern of Tennessee and Howard of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Avalon Arntz. The family will be gathering privately for funeral services and graveside services with military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross-Berrien County Chapter, 3838 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI or the YMCA Family Center, 3665 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Those wishing to share a memory of Claude may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. His sense of humor and warm, optimistic personality will be missed by all.