Frank Richard Allen

Frank was born in Sweeny, Texas to Frank and Henrietta Allen on February 21, 1936. He attended Sweeny schools and upon graduation, received a basketball scholarship to college. He graduated Cum Laude from Texas Lutheran College and later received a Master’s degree in Administrative Education from then Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. He served in the United States Air Force and stayed in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then began his teaching and coaching career in the Schertz Cibolo School District advancing to Assistant Superintendent. In 1966, he moved his family to Austin, where he served as Administrative Director for the Austin Evaluation Center under Dr. Gretchen Runge. When the center’s grant ran out, he went to work for the State of Texas and retired from the Texas Secretary of State’s office as Director of Personnel and Staff Services. After retirement, he kept himself busy by driving cars for Enterprise and different auto dealerships.

Frank was an avid sports fan. In high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball. His high school basketball team won a state championship in 1954. As a coach at Schertz Cibolo, his baseball team won a district title. He enjoyed playing pick-up basketball games at the YMCA and he played on two softball teams until a hip replacement sidelined him. He was a member of the University Optimist Club and served as president for a year. He coached Little League baseball and basketball for several years and after a second hip replacement, he became an avid spectator. He attended all of his son’s and grandson’s ball games and offered support and advice.

Frank enjoyed card games with friends as well as trips to Las Vegas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. He especially enjoyed watching a good ball game on television, from his recliner, surrounded by his family and friends, with M&Ms in one hand and an ice cold Dr. Pepper in the other.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, William “Bill” McIntyre. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jo Sue, daughter Amy Dover and son-in-law, Kevin Dover, son Russell Allen, grandson Jason Mikeska and step-grandsons Nathan and Zach Dover, sister-in-law Sylvia McIntyre, a niece, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Crestview United Methodist Church 1300 Morrow Street Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 11th at 2:00 in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer Center at MD Anderson 1515 Holcombe Boulevard Houston, TX 77030 or to Crestview United Methodist Church 1300 Morrow Street Austin, TX 78757.

Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, Austin, Texas.