John Allen of Chipley, FL, passed away February 28th at the age of 82. He was born December 23rd, 1940, as one of eleven children.
Growing up in the Molino, FL, area, he attended Tate High School. He then joined the US Navy, enlisting at Ellyson Field in Pensacola, FL.
Having served on the USS Intrepid and the USS Coral Sea from November 1964 to April 1967, he was
honorably discharged and received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star.
He married Patricia Russell of Pensacola and took residence there while still in the Navy. Later, he worked at the power plant at The University of West Florida and then went on to work construction in Alaska and Colorado. During his travels, he saw the Southern Cross, the Northern Lights and the Milky Way above the Rocky Mountains.
Ultimately, he ended up back here in the Florida panhandle and lower Alabama. He was a Christian, having been baptized in his childhood. John enjoyed camping, fishing, walking his dog (Renfield) and working. In fact, he continued to work into his mid-70s.
John was the third son born to Henry Allen and Louise Kendall Allen. His passing is preceded by his parents as well as sisters Edna Earl and Barbara, and brothers Lamond, Jimmy, Bobby, Billy and Larry. He is survived by sisters Hazel, Linda and Sherry.
John’s legacy is: sons John, James and Jeffrey; grand-daughters Olivia and Tera; and great grand-daughter Emma.