Roy L. Allen Sr.

Deacon Roy L. Allen, Sr., was born June 26, 1931 to the late E. Cottrell and Luevenia (Harris) Allen in Pittsburgh, TX. Deacon Allen was called to rest Thursday afternoon, January 18, 2018, with his granddaughter Rachelle McBride, by his side.

Deacon Allen was baptized at the Rocky Mound CME Church in Pittsburg, TX at an early age. He came to Fort Wayne, IN in 1950 and joined Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. John Dixie, Jr. He was a member for over 60 years and was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Rev Sam Shade, Jr. He also became a member of both the Male and Gospel Chorus, the Executive Board and the Ministers, Deacons and Wives Fellowship. He continued to worship faithfully until his health began to fail.

On September 1, 1951, he was united in holy matrimony to Callie Brewer and to this union, three children were born. 

Deacon Allen worked with the late Willis Cotton and Sons, Fishers Department Store and later retired from General Electric Company with more than 40 years of dedicated service.  

As most of us remember, our “Dad”, who was also affectionately known as “Grandpa” and “Uncle Roy”, had a heart of gold and would help many that he knew and those that he didn’t. He loved fixing things from televisions, cars, lawnmowers, to his beloved motorcycle. His garage was always “cramped” with “whatever” and many of us can still hear Momma fuss at him about “cleaning that garage out.” He also enjoyed bowling and going to the lake with his family and lifelong friend, Mr. Johnny Kennie and family.

Deacon Allen loved God, his family, and his friends. We, his family, will carry the memory of his life and his love, forever in our hearts.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Roy L. Allen, Jr. of Riverside, CA; Jeffrey D. Allen of Boise, ID and Kenneth C. Allen of Fort Wayne, IN; twelve grandchildren, Rachelle McBride, JaJuan (pronounced JA HON) Allen, Sr., Kenyatta (Charles) Holiness, Demetrious Allen, Sr. and Lacreshia Reynolds, all of Fort Wayne, IN; Kedriane Allen, Dawnyell Allen, Avery Allen and Alex Allen, all of San Diego, CA; Angela Lawson of Memphis, TN; Adrial Smedley of Las Vegas, NV and Dez Smedley of Cleveland, OH, twenty-eight great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; a sister, Zelma (Charles) Davis of Leesburg, TX; a brother in-law, Willie James (Willie Lee) Franklin of Fort Wayne, IN and a host of other relatives that include nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death in addition to his parents, by the mother of his children, Callie Allen; infant son, Stephon Lee Allen; brothers, Deacon Chester B. Allen and Willie F. Allen; a sister, Rosie Rhynehart and mother-in-law, Mary White.

Deacon Allen will be laid to rest in Covington Memorial Gardens

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