Ira “Shorty” W. Allen, 87, of Staples, died June 8, 2010 at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples.

Funeral services were held June 14, at the Motley Free Methodist Church. Burial, with full Military Honors provided by the Motley American Legion, was at the Motley Public Cemetery.

Ira was born June 20, 1922, in Herman, to Emert and Hazel (Jenkins) Allen. He was a veteran of WWII. He returned from service to work in the iron mines in Minnesota and Greenland. He also drove truck for Mn- DOT until retirement. He was a life member of the Motley American Legion. He enjoyed raising beef cattle and saddle horses.

Ira is survived by one sister, Mrs. Leroy (Betty) Tepley of Staples; one brother, James (Debbie Wilson) Allen of Apache Junction, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Raymond.