By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

During the past 45 years, Allen Drennon has been a stalwart Dillons employee. In fact, he said he hasn't even called in sick since 1973.

Because of that dedication, Drennon was recognized for his years of service at a Dillons honors banquet Jan. 25 at the Bakery Shop.

Presenting the award, Don Koerner, store manager of the Dillons on Vine, said Drennon has been an icon in Hays.

"Allen has touched a lot of lives over the last 37 years in Hays," Koerner said.

He first was hired at Dillons in Great Bend in 1966.

He transferred to the Dillons in Pratt in 1969 and then to Garden City in 1973 before eventually landing in Hays in 1975. He has been there ever since.

For the exception of a three-year tour in Vietnam, where he served as an army clerk, Drennon never has left the company.

"It is a good paycheck, good benefits and a good culture to be around," he said. "(Dillons stores) always take care of their people."

However, Drennon, a market manager, said he plans to retire after working one more year.

Drennon oversees the meat department at the store on Vine Street.

Packaging meats is a family profession, he said. His father worked for a meat-packing house.

"I grew up doing it," Drennon said.

Much of his life has revolved around the store. Even his favorite baseball team was chosen because of Dillons.

The store was giving away baseball mitts, and Drennon, then 7, won a Ted Williams glove, who was a Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer. Drennon has been a diehard Red Sox fan since.

Drennon lives in Hays with his wife, Shirley, and they've been married for 44 years -- one less year than he has spent at Dillons.

"She's jealous of Dillons because of that one less year," Drennon joked.