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Joshua Allen

1977 - 2023

Joshua Allen obituary, 1977-2023, Overland Park, MO

Joshua Allen Obituary

Joshua Allen

June 21, 1977 - December 9, 2023

Overland Park , Kansas - Joshua ("Josh") Kenneth Allen, age 46, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

The third child of Jim and Jennifer Allen, Josh was a proud native of Coffeyville, Kansas. His experiences at Holy Name Catholic School and later Field Kindley Memorial High School created incredible friendships that Josh cherished throughout his life. In high school, Josh thrived as the editor of the school paper, pitcher on the varsity baseball team and an honor student. His achievements earned him a Presidential Scholarship to Coffeyville Community College. After a year at CCC, he transferred to the University of Kansas where he found a new family with the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and became a lifelong Jayhawk fan. Josh was the first person in his family to graduate from college and he paid his own way working multiple jobs at a time.

In 1999, Josh was accepted to the University of Kansas School of Law where he met his future wife, Kate Benson, a fellow first year law student. In law school, Josh participated in the Defender Project and later was hired as an intern with the Johnson County District Attorney's office. This was a formative experience that cemented his interest in criminal law and the courtroom setting. Josh and Kate were married in 2002 and in the same year Josh began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Wyandotte County. In 2005, Josh opened his own private practice which prospered until his passing. He served as a prosecutor and substitute judge in several jurisdictions, as an appointed attorney for indigent defendants, and represented thousands of individual clients throughout the region. Being part of the Kansas City legal community and the relationships he built with judges, fellow attorneys, court and corrections staff brought him great joy and pride.

Josh had a dynamic and charismatic presence, with a love for others that radiated from his warm, welcoming smile and trademark humor. He emanated kindness and inclusiveness to all and was at ease with people from every walk of life. He enjoyed many passions from music to reading to sports – but nothing compared to his love for his children. He was intensely proud of Luke, Ben, and Abbey's accomplishments and collective talents. He reveled in every inning of baseball, quarter of basketball, each play and dance recital, cheering on his children with unwavering pride and support. They were the light of his life.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to all members of Josh's family, 'Nado Nation, KU friends, the Trailwood/Raider community, Colony West, JCCC colleagues and everyone in his legal circle who made Josh's life so special. He cherished all of you and will be missed beyond measure. Josh is survived by his wife Kate Benson Allen, children Luke, Ben, and Abbey, sister Jamie Wise, brother John Allen, niece Mandy Harris, aunts Janice Elmore and Judy Arbeiter. In memory of Josh, please consider a gift to NCircle, a local organization Josh loved. NCircle works to give guidance and training to our justice-involved neighbors, many dealing with the disease of addiction, who are fighting to stabilize their futures: NCircle, 1707 E. Cedar Street, Suite 103, Olathe, KS 66062. https://ncircle.org/.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of the Resurrection, Main Sanctuary - Building A, 5009 West 137th Street, Leawood, Kansas 66224, with a reception immediately following the ceremony. Arr: Signature Funerals 816-314-5174

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Dec. 17, 2023.

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Patrick Helm

February 22, 2025

Our family had been using Josh as a family attorney since 2007 , was always there when you need him and was one of the most generous persons you could ever know , and also got the job done if the man said don´t worry I got this rest assured he had your back. I talked to him last in 2021 and he was slowing down but told us if you need me call me and joked we were an awesome client . I just found out he has me passed truly upsetting he will be missed by so so many. God Bless you and your family my friend was a honor to know you.

Barb Young Innes

December 8, 2024

First's are always the hardest! Anniversaries are so difficult. I hope your hearts will be filled with wonderful memories of those joyful times together. Sending prayers and caring thoughts to you all!

Junior Bautista

August 5, 2024

I am saddened to now finding out of your passing. I have known Josh through a mutual friend from Pitt State. Josh has always been a very happy, energetic, honest, and laughed a lot. We did build a real close relationship and he did represent me in a case in 2010. He definitely made a huge stamp in my life. He saved me on a big case. We always spoke and talked sports. This definitely hurts. I wish I would of known. To show my respects. I wish the best for your family and you rest well my friend!

Barb Young Innes

July 30, 2024

Thinking of you all today! Anniversaries are difficult but hopefully the love of friends and family will carry you through your grief.

Brandon Williams

July 29, 2024

Wow.. Josh was a great attorney. I'm saddened to just now hear about this. So candid and charismatic. Just a great overall person. May he rest in peace.

Denise Keefer

January 22, 2024

I hired Josh 13+ years ago and he continued to be our family attorney all the way up until Dec 22, 2022 when he was the most significant person in helping my daughter not be charged (at all) in a very bad domestic violence case. He didn´t really want more cases, told me he was backing off but he would not leave me and her in this desperate state. He was paramount-in his relationships, connections, respect in the community along with it his expertise, that made him successful and a much sought after attorney. I know he helped a lot of young people that were going through a lot. I am so sorry it may have been at the expense of his family. My deepest condolences and continued prayers for peace and healing to his children and wife. I am very grateful for his role in my and my children´s lives. With sympathy, Denise

Edeshia Massey

January 17, 2024

One of the best defense lawyer in the Greater Kansas City Area. You will be missed dearly.

Misha L. Stewart

January 2, 2024

So very sorry to hear this. Josh was my lawyer since not long after he started his practice. Tried, trusted, and true to his word, qualities hard to find in that profession. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his wife and children. I know his love for them ran deeply. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Lauren Freeman

December 20, 2023

Oh Josh, I just heard about your passing. You just were with me at court not too long ago. You´ve always been my go to attorney and were always a friend. I never imagined 15 years later from the first time we met, that you would be gone so soon. We were always good at giving each other a hard time. You made me mad sometimes but we always laughed about it in the end. I´m honestly going to miss you and our little one ones we had. Prayers to you and your children. I know you loved them dearly.
Sincerely, Lauren Freeman

Tim Turner

December 20, 2023

Josh was the prosecutor in Shawnee when I was the Municipal Judge. I always admired his skills in the courtroom and his subtle wit. His love for his family was obvious to me. I am so sorry for your loss.

Amy Brock

December 20, 2023

Kate I am so very sorry to hear about your loss!!

Karin and Jim Leacox

December 19, 2023

We are broken hearted for Kate and the entire family.
Karin and Jim Leacox

Milo Hernandez

December 18, 2023

I met Josh when I worked for the Overland Park Municipal Court. Josh was a gentleman to Everyone. Always a smile followed by kind words. ALWAYS Gone to soon

Laura Weigel

December 17, 2023

Dearest Kate and family; our heart goes out to you during this difficult time in your life. May God comfort you and your kids and know we are thinking and praying for you.

Deborah Caiharr

December 17, 2023

Many years ago when I worked in the WYCO District Attorneys office, Josh worked there. I remember him being such a nice man with a wonderful smile. He was always helpful and always had a kind word. My sympathy to his family and friends. He was a great guy.

Barb Young Innes

December 16, 2023

My heart is aching for Kate and her family and Josh´s family. Kate was instrumental at CMH to support the fundraiser of sales of the WillowTree Heart Of Gold figurine for CMH and later helped our friends establish an endowment in our son´s memory. Her mom, Cathy, was like a kindred sister and her grandmother, Jean Schultz was my exemplary SSW boss at KCKPS. I´ve know of Kate all her life. I know Josh must have been one of those " 1 in a million" in his many roles. As the time pass, and as you all return to a different way of living , may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support from all of us.

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Kent & MargE Shelley

December 14, 2023

Kate, Luke, Ben, Abbey & family~

MargE & I send our deepest condolences along with lots of love and prayer's for comfort & peace. There are no words spoken to take away your hurt, pain and sadness, but may your memories made & shared with your dad/Josh help to comfort you during this difficult time.

John DeMarco

December 14, 2023

Josh was a great attorney. More importantly he was a great person. Him being gone this soon makes the times we dealt with him that much more significant and memorable. His legacy will live on through his wonderful children. He was a kind and caring human being. If you met him for just one minute you won't forget him.

John Gerstle

December 14, 2023

I have been retired and out of the area for over 4 years. I met Josh when he first got here. His work product was exemplary, but more importantly, I valued his friendship. His passing is a deep loss to all. My heartfelt sympathy and condolence upon your loss of a loving husband and father.

Kayla

December 14, 2023

Josh was my Attorney. A very fine man he was. Family oriented and caring for others. I had a call with him and his boy needed him he politely put me on hold and addressed him. It showed how he would put family first and in that helped me trust him and his decisions for my case. My condolences for your family.

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Memorial Events
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Dec

20

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

The Church of the Resurrection, Main Sanctuary - Building A

5009 West 137th Street, Leawood, KS

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