Jan. 10, 2003—Charles Clarence Allen, 84, a prominent Delaware agriculture businessman, 1940 graduate and longtime friend and benefactor of the University of Delaware, died Jan. 8.

Allen, who came to UD on a football scholarship, was the former president of Allen’s Hatchery in Seaford, and was active in alumni activities at the University of Delaware.

His longtime support of UD was recognized when the Allen Lab on UD’s south campus behind Townsend Hall was dedicated in his honor in 1997. The 16,635-square-foot facility features cutting-edge technologies that help to support Delmarva’s poultry industry. The $8 million project was funded by federal and state government, the poultry industry, associated private funds and the University.

Speaking at the opening of the laboratory, Allen reflected on his family’s support for the project, “Way back when the building was first started, I thought to myself that it would be good for our family, especially, to have a little bit of involvement in this building. So, when it came to that time, I thought to myself the poultry industry’s been so good to us; I just want to give something of my own back to the industry.”

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Pine and Popular streets, Seaford, where family and friends may call from noon-2 p.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Seaford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop, c/o The Soroptimist Service Foundation, P.O. Box 826, Seaford, DE 19973.