Allen "Kirby" Chelgren

Allen Kirby Chelgren, 83, of Owensboro, KY passed away on Thursday October 29, 2026, at the Heartford House while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born March 2, 1943, in Logan, WV, to the late Allen and Kathaleen Carlton Chelgren.

Kirby was a man of science, as such, he taught math at KWC and in his retirement determined to understand the Theory of Relativity. He understood the importance of helping others and was a life-saver through his donations of more than ten (10) gallons of blood that continued up to his final days when doctors absolutely refused to allow him to donate. His love of books resulted in the establishment of a church library and his passion for music was exemplified through his love of singing in church choirs, community chorus events and even on solo occasions. Kirby was a Godly man; he valued character, he embodied compassion, he was generous to a fault, and he will be missed.

Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, David Chelgren.

Kirby is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly Wolf Chelgren; son, Allen (Beth) Chelgren; daughters, Col. Sarah (Dave) Chelgren-Brooks and Kathaleen Chelgren; eight grandchildren, Anna Kleinsmith, Cole Chelgren, Allison Chelgren, Tate Bullis, Maddie Bullis, Nick Chelgren-Brooks, Will Chelgren-Brooks, and Ava Bullis; sister-in-law, Lora Chelgren and her two sons, David Allen Chelgren and Stephen Chelgren.

A memorial service for Kirby will be held at 11am, Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, at First Christian Church. Burial to follow in the columbarium at the church. Visitation will be held same day from 9 until 11am at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Christian Church Legacy Fund or Kirby would encourage you to give blood through Western Ky Regional Blood Center. 

Memories and condolences may be left for the family of Kirby Chelgren at www.glennfuneralhome.com.