Kenneth Allen

Gerald Kenneth Allen passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, at the age of 96 in Elgin, Texas. Born on February 9, 1928, in Causey, New Mexico, to John and Bonnie Allen, Kenneth spent much of his childhood in Elgin where he was deeply rooted in his faith as a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Elgin. It was there that he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized.

In February 1946, Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, proudly serving his country as a Seaman First Class in the Pacific waters along the West Coast. After the war, he returned to Elgin and began work at the Elgin Butler Brick Company and met the love of his life, Betty Cooper. The two were married in July 1952, beginning a union that spanned an extraordinary 72 years.

In 1959, Kenneth was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, as a letter carrier in the Elgin community. He became a familiar and friendly face to many in the community and retired in 1998 after 40 years of dedicated civil service.

Kenneth’s unshakable faith was the cornerstone of his life. An active servant of the church, he taught Sunday school for many years, guiding both youth and senior men in their spiritual growth. As a faithful deacon, he ministered to his congregation and community with compassion and humility.

A country boy at heart, Kenneth loved the outdoors, raising cattle, gardening, and enjoying rural life. He was a skilled craftsman who took pride in working with his hands. Above all, he cherished his family, treasuring the deep bonds he shared with them.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bonnie Allen; siblings, Clara Page, Cleo Holloway, and Grady Allen; and his nephew, Wayne Page.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Catherine Allen; their son, Randy Allen (Sandra); grandson, Aric Allen (Angela); and his cherished great-grandchildren, Amy, Aaron, Avery, and Ashlynn Allen. He also leaves behind his nieces, Marlene Page Anderson and Bonnie Holloway Jones; nephews, David Page and Danny Page (Doris); great-grandniece, Nadea White; great-grandnephew, Troy Page; and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews.

Honoring Kenneth as pallbearers are David Page, Danny Page, Steve Cartwright, Robert Byrd Murphy, Wayne Marecle, and Paul Peterson.

Kenneth’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. His memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate to know him.

Visitation will be held at Providence-Jones Funeral Home in Elgin, TX, on Wednesday December 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will take place on Thursday December 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Providence-Jones Funeral Home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Annette Patterson for her loyal and loving care extended to Kenneth, and to Lutra Home Care, Heart to Heart Hospice, and Elgin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their kind and compassionate care.