Donald (Don) Allen was called home to his Savior on December 4, 2024, just shy of his 95th birthday.  Don was a lifelong resident of Elwood born to Chester and Mabel (Estes) Allen and was the tenth of eleven siblings.  He loved reminiscing about his youth, including his loving parents and the fun mischief he enjoyed with his brothers. Shortly after graduating in 1948 from Wendell L. Willkie High School, he met the love of his life, Ann Coleman, and said it was love at first sight.  Don and Ann united in marriage on Feb. 10, 1952.  He was a devoted husband for 72 years, and the most loving father to his daughter Diana and son-in-law Jim Cook.  He was a special grandpa to Angie (Rick) Welch and Jennifer (Jason) Peters and had seven great grandchildren: Conor, Quin, Nathan, Henry, Lauren, James, and Sarah.  He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law and all grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his special mother-in-law, Viola Coleman, and his siblings Otis, Oren, Howard, Bruce, Jean, Karl, Bill, Mary Irene, Clare, and Barbara Lou.

Don served in the Army as a radio operator in Germany after World War II.  He worked at Delco Remy for 33 years and was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, serving as a Past Master.  He was also a member of the American Legion and U.A.W. #662.  Don loved the Lord and was a devoted deacon and trustee at First Missionary Baptist Church, Elwood and was a current member of East Main Street Christian Church, Elwood.

Don enjoyed traveling and took Diana on a memorable train trip to California as well as yearly vacations.  He was a devoted father, even making Diana's majorette outfits for her.  He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and sister and brother-in-law, Kenny and Joetta Arnold.  They spent many winters together in Yuma, Arizona.  He was also a loving uncle to Nick Arnold and Rhoda Groover.

Don loved taking Ann shopping and out to dinner.  He enjoyed listening to Big Band music, solving crossword puzzles and crypto-quotes, playing with his grandchildren, home improvement projects, furniture upholstery, watching Jeopardy and The Price is Right, fishing with Jim, and watching sports, especially Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs baseball and Purdue and IU basketball.   He spent his 80th birthday at a Red vs. Cubs game with his son-in-law, Jim.

Don was a very kind, caring, and intelligent man and had many lifelong friends.  He always had a smile on his face and loved to joke and make everyone laugh.  He went out of his way to help his family and friends at every opportunity.  He will be sadly missed, but his family will hold on to a multitude of memories from his well-lived life.

A funeral service celebrating Don's life will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  The funeral will begin with a Masonic Ritual, and will end with military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W.  Burial will take place at a later date at Wilkins Legg Cemetery in Tipton County.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Quincy Masonic Lodge through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.