P.O. Box 901, Prosser WA 99350 /wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com / 360.597.4411

Allen E. Ludden was born on August 9, 1900, to John L. Ludden and Florence B. Johnston. As a teenager, Ludden lived in Hoquiam and later joined the armed forces, serving as a private in World War I, as a member of the 44th Infantry. 

 

Ludden married his wife, Frances Beulah Cote, on November 5, 1927, in King County. The pair resided in Grays Harbor where he worked as a sign maker at New Sign Company in Aberdeen. The couple had two boys, Allen Jr., and Richard. 

 

Ludden later worked as a mechanic in Spokane in 1932. He joined the Washington State Highway Patrol under the command of Chief William Cole on October 5, 1936. Ludden and his family moved to the Seattle area where he patrolled.

 

Patrolman Allen Ludden died on March 15, 1938, at the age of 37. He died from injuries sustained after he lost control of his motorcycle south of the Seattle city limits at a weigh station on the Seattle-Tacoma Highway.  At the time of his death, Patrolman Ludden served 18 months with the Washington State Highway Patrol.

 

Patrolman Ludden's son, Richard passed away in 1977, from a motorcycle collision at the age of 40. The Memorial Foundation has been in contact with Trooper Ludden's granddaughter Christina (Richard's only child). Christina lives in the Seattle area and works for the Seattle School District. Her husband, Mike, is a Boeing employee and works in Everett. They have two children, ages 29 and 26. Their daughter, Bella Clemens was married in a small ceremony along the shores of Lake Crescent in June of 2021. 

 

Patrolman Ludden’s son, Allen Ludden Jr. passed away in 2016. Allen’s son, Mark, passed away in July 2017. Allen’s son, Paul, lives in California with his wife. Allen’s daughter, Sue, lives in California, with her husband.

 

A ceremony to honor the 85th anniversary of Patrolman Ludden’s sacrifice was held at the Bellevue District office on March 22, 2023. The event brought together troopers, command staff, family members, and community supporters to reflect on Patrolman Ludden’s service and ultimate sacrifice. Anniversary observances such as this, helps ensure that his courage and dedication to duty continue to be remembered more than eight decades later. Through these ceremonies, the legacy of Washington State Patrol’s fallen officers remains a lasting part of the agency’s history and tradition.

 

Please take a moment to remember Patrolman Ludden and his family.

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