Allen Richard Duits, 82, of Biloxi, MS, formerly of Washington, IL, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024 at Singing River Health System in Pascagoula, MS.

He was born August 30, 1941 in Peoria, IL to Edward R. and Ruth H. Mahrt Duits.  He married Bernadine L. Hickman in Peoria on August 30, 1969.  She preceded him in death on November 30, 2008.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Fran Pisel; and son-in-law, Kevin Donlan.

Surviving are five daughters, Donna Gillespie, Deanna (Don) Witzel, Stephanie Donlan, Nancy Ybarra, Allyn (Brandon) Schmidt; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Allen was a United States Army Veteran serving in Fort Knox.  Allen grew up in Washington, IL.  He attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Washington Community High School class of 1959.  Allen and Bernadine raised their family in Sunnyland and moved to Biloxi, MS in 1992.

He had a love of auto racing from the time he was a kid and served on many pit crews.  He enjoyed playing and attending sports of all kinds, especially watching his children and grandkids play.  He served as umpire of NTRA softball when his daughter Allyn played.  While Allen had a love for sports, his main love was spending time with his family.

He worked many years in management of grocery stores and was a Manager and District Manager of Stewart Oil.  When he moved to Mississippi he went to work in the Casino Gaming Industry until retiring in 2011.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm Friday, May 3, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 11am to 1pm Friday at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis.