Allen Cash

Allen Hanchey Cash, of DeForest, Wisconsin, was born on Christmas Day in 1938 in Bismarck, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025. He was 86.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Houston Cash and Minnie Francis Cobb, as well as his brothers Burl and Houston, and sisters Irene, Nellie, Rose, Lillie, LaVerne, and Ruthell. He was the last of his generation of the Cash family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Judith Kennelly Cash. Allen was the proud father of five children: Debra (Lavern) Heinreich, Irene (Greg Fowlkes) Cash, Patricia (Tom) Cash Rink, Allen (Laurie) Cash, and the late Ian David Cash. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Jaime (Kurt) Woodburn, Stefan Heinreich, Brad (Nicole) Cash, Taylor Cash, Keely (Mark Schliksbier) Rink, Ian Rink, Conor (Haley Pavlekovich) Rink, and Claire Rink—and great-grandchildren Kayden Woodburn, Olivia Cash, Carter Cash, Hendrix Rink, and Maeve Schliksbier.

He is further survived by numerous nieces, great-nieces and nephews, as well as other family members.

Together, Allen and Judy fostered special needs children, leaving a legacy of compassion that touched countless lives. Of particular importance is Chris Miller, who joined the family in the early 1970s at the age of 7 and still remains an important part of the family to this day.

Allen worked at the Central Wisconsin Center in Madison for 35 years, retiring early enough to make the most of life. As a young family man, he, Judy, and their children traveled across the U.S. in their motorhomes, especially cherishing time in Florida and Arkansas. They also cruised with family to far-off places, including Hawaii and Alaska.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Allen never tired of recounting stories about the many cars he owned. One favorite tale involved drag racing for titles down West Mountain in Hot Springs, Arkansas—and beating the local Arkansas police officer in his official “cop car” who dared challenge him in his ’57 Chevy. His “car gene” remains particularly strong and has already been passed down to future generations.

He was especially proud of his Cadillacs. And while we could claim he handled it gracefully every time one of his kids wrecked one of his vehicles, we’d be lying.  Unfortunately, numerous incidents tried his patience.

Known as the friendliest man you’d ever meet, Allen never met a neighbor who didn’t become a friend—or a dog who didn’t love him. His beloved cats, Kitty and Sissy, were the most spoiled felines on the planet.  They will miss him greatly.  

While Allen was friendly to all, don’t let that fool you: at the Sheepshead or Euchre table (or any card game for that matter), Allen was ruthless, competitive, and nearly unbeatable.

Allen will be deeply missed by his big, loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future.