J. Allyn Reding was born into life as a firefighter. His father was one of the few that founded the Duenweg (Missouri) Volunteer Fire Department in 1960. Allyn loved serving his community and strived to better the Duenweg Volunteer Fire Department. Allyn worked as a junior firefighter beginning when he was 14 years old. He always wanted the best for the City of Duenweg and was involved in the planning, development, and construction of the new fire station in 1991.

Allyn became chief of the fire department in 1998. He always had an open-door policy for anyone in the community and was there when anyone needed help. Many young men and women came through the doors in those 22 years. He spent many years training and teaching them to be the best that they could be. Allyn was always sad to see them move on, but he always wanted the best for them and their families.

Allyn was a quiet man until you got to know him. He loved his family, and his biggest pride and joy was his seven grandchildren. Fall was his favorite time of year. He loved to go deer hunting with his father, sons, grandchildren, and his best friend, Roger.

Allyn left behind his wife of 44 years, Mona; sons, Jason, and wife, Starr; Corey, and wife, Shelly; daughter, Stefanie, and husband, Gabe; and his seven grandchildren, Cole, Harris, Ryder, Emily, Kylie, Haylea, and Ayden. He is also survived by his parents, Jack and June; his brothers, Howard, and wife, Beverly; and Brent; and by his best friend, Roger.

Allyn may be gone, but his love of firefighting continues on with his two sons and his oldest grandson, Cole.