Richard attended public schools in Grosse Pointe Park, graduating in 1947. He then attended the University of Chicago, receiving a B.A. in General Education. Richard furthered his education, receiving a B.A. in English from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. He attended the University of Michigan, in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Philosophy. He took German classes at the University of Michigan, where he also served as a teaching assistant. Richard became a German Professor at Duke University where his family resided. Returning to Michigan, he received an M.A.L.S from the University of Michigan, then served as a Periodicals Librarian at Eastern Michigan University. Richard also instructed German, at Albion College, Albion, MI, following this up with his Ph.D. in German from the University of Michigan.
In the fall of 1967, Richard and his family moved to Lincoln, NE, where they remained. He taught German at the University of Nebraska. Richard served as public librarian in Beatrice, NE from 1974-1977. He worked for the Nebraska Library Commission from 1977-1994 as a library consultant living in Columbus and Lincoln during this time until retiring.
He was a member of Kiwanis, (becoming a Regional Lt. Governor), Torch Club as Secretary for the local group and a rep for the national group, instrumental in starting the Nebraska Center for the Book, Near South Neighborhood Board, longtime member of First Plymouth Church and their book discussion group, Lincoln Friendship Force, and also the German-American Heritage Society of Lincoln. Richard was a member of Great Books and “The Front Porch Group”, a book discussion group, which he and three friends started during Covid. He also belonged to a creative writing group and postcard club. He collected postcards of all types and books. He specialized in books published by Modern Library.
In 1951, Richard married Jayne Harbert in Michigan. To this union three children were born; Stephen Richard, James Christiansen, and Kenneth (KA) William. Upon his marriage ending in 1975, he met Mary Rabenberg at a Nebraska Library Commission meeting. They married in 1992.
Family members include his wife Mary; his 3 children; several grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert William Allen, half-brother George Hoffman Allen.
Memorials may be designated to The Arbor Day Foundation or a library of one’s choice.