Allen E. Salts, 87, of Springfield passed away Saturday, June 14, 2008. Allen was born February 20, 1921, to Evelyn and Arthur Salts. He attended Greenwood and Central as well as Springfield Teachers College. Allen enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served as a pilot in the Pacific. He also served in the Korean Conflict and received three Distinguished Flying Cross Awards for his bravery in combat.

He went on to spend 20 years in the Navy with his wife, Genevieve Shipman, and their two children, Sue and Joe. Allen was a helicopter pilot during their initiation. He taught many young pilots how to fly and was pictured with the famous builder of the helicopter, Igor Sikorsky, during the first meeting of the American Helicopter Society.

Allen loved music and was co-owner of the well-known Springfield nightclub, Half a Hill, during the '40s. After leaving the Navy and returning to Springfield, Allen was a real estate developer and builder who developed Woodcliffe and Sussex Park. For over 35 years, he worked in commercial real estate with Southeast Investment Company and maintained an office there until the last several months.

In 1968, Allen married Joan, his wife of nearly 40 years. The two loved to travel, play golf and spend time with family and friends.

Allen was an active member of an aircraft squadron, VPB-151, that met yearly for well-planned reunions at vacation destinations. Allen hosted two of the most well-attended reunions in Branson.

For many years, "Salty" enjoyed Monday lunches at the Village Inn with his friends, the "Liar's Club" made up of pilots who served in World War II.

In February 2007, Allen moved to St. Robert, Missouri, with his wife, Joan, to live at Primrose Assisted Living near their daughter, Patti Goforth.

A patriot who loved his country and his family, Allen was a man of integrity, creativity and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Evelyn Salts, and his son, Joe Salts.

Allen is survived by his wife, Joan of St. Robert, and their daughter, Patti Goforth and her husband, Larry, of Waynesville; grandchildren Jennifer and Patrick, Katherine Raits and husband Eric of Homestead, Florida, and Matthew and Jonathan Dimos, and great-grandchildren Lucy and Mercedes Dimos, Michael Burris and Missy McDonald of Kansas City, Missouri, and grandson and namesake Allen Burris of Texas, Frederick Burris and his wife Catherine of Cincinnati, Ohio, and grandchildren Todd Burris, Molly Jacob and Emily Humphrey, great-grandchildren Harrison, Sawyer and Duncan Jacob and Lincoln Humphrey, Sue Edmonds and her husband Larry of Atlanta, Georgia, and grandchildren Brian and Katherine.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008, in Greenlawn. Graveside services will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors at 11 a.m.

Allen E Salts Obituary Photo

Allen Salts (1921)