Capwell, Allen L. “Cappy”

It is with great sadness that we announce today, that a faithful servant of God, Country, and Community, went home to be with the Lord. Allen L. Capwell, age 92, of West Middlebury Road, East Bethany, passed away at home suddenly, Monday, September 21st 2026 with his beloved wife by his side. Allen, known as Cappy, was born in Warsaw, April 6, 1934, a son of the late Frank M. and Ruth E. Scheu Capwell. His father passed when he was a teenager when Allen rose to the moment and took the mantle of, “Man of the house.” Despite a difficult start to his life, Allen made the best of it.

He graduated from Wyoming Central School as Salutatorian in 1951 and went on to Alfred State where he earned his degree in Applied Science in 1954. Cappy then decided to serve his country honorably in the United States Air Force as a Provost Marshal's Investigator serving at McCoy AFB in Florida from 1956-1960. Upon returning home, Cappy attended Erie Community College where he earned a degree in Police Science in 1965. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the National Sheriff's Institute in 1974. Cappy put all of his knowledge to work when he joined the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department in 1956, serving as Under Sheriff from 1960-1972. Elected County Sheriff in 1973, he went on to serve his community until his retirement in 1999. All the while he was serving and raising a family, he managed to earn his Commercial Pilot's License, multi engine and instrument ratings. Cappy also served with Wyoming Hook and Ladder since 1951 as an EMT, Lieutenant of the Dale Station, Assistant Fire Chief, Captain of the Fire Police, and Chairman of the 1998 Centennial. A longtime member of the West Middlebury Baptist Church since 1944 and more recently the Dale Baptist Church, Cappy taught Sunday School, was a former Moderator, Choir member, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and co-director of Youth Activities. He and his family traveled the lower 48 in his truck and camper, always finding new adventures and exploring America. Allen was a Master Mason serving as Past Master and Secretary of the Warsaw Lodge 549, the Wyoming Chapter No. 181 of Royal Arch Masons, the Nundawaga Council No. 92 of Royal and Select Master Masons, and the Batavia Commandery No. 34 of the Knights Templar even earning the Knight of the York Cross of Honor. He served in various chairs, since 1959, in each of the organizations throughout his journey in Masonry. He enjoyed our local history hunting when time permitted. Allen was a dignified, well respected member of our community and we will all feel his loss. He should be an inspiration for our youth in how to give back to your country and community.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth and Merrill Capwell, sister in-law, Patricia Newland Russell and brother in-law, John Edward Russell.

Cappy was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Sally Jane Newland Capwell whom he married on April 14, 1962 in the West Middlebury Baptist Church and they spent 64 wonderful years raising their daughters, Charleen and Melody Capwell both of Spring Hill, Florida and an AFS “Exchange Daughter” from Belgium, Chantal Mazy-Rossignon. Also surviving are his sisters in-law, Linda Capwell of Denver, NC, and Peggy Capwell of Roosevelt, UT, Gail (Robert) Johannes of Hermitage, NY, a brother in-law, Gerald (Ruth) Newland of West Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends of Allen L. Capwell, may call on Sunday, September 27th 2026 from 1-3 and 6-8pm at the Weeks Funeral Home, 123 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569. A Masonic Service will begin at 3pm and a Fireman's Service will begin at 8pm. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Monday, September 28th 2026 at 10am with Pastor Brian Spicer of the Dale Baptist Church as officiant. Burial will be announced at a later date in the West Middlebury Cemetery with full military honors. Please visitwww.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences, light a candle or to plant a tree in Cappy's name. Memorial contributions are requested to the Wyoming Hook and Ladder at PO Box 36 Wyoming, NY 14591 or to the Dale Baptist Church at PO Box 302 Dale, NY 14039.