George N. Allen Jr.

George Nelson Allen, Jr. died peacefully on Monday, the 7th of February 2022, at the age of 91. George was born on the 18th of November 1930, in Houston, Texas to Edith Leavens Allen and George Nelson Allen, Sr. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Leavens Allen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Bonnie Blades Allen, his daughter Melinda Allen Abell and her husband Joseph Miles Abell III of Houston, his daughter Amy Allen Roam of Austin, son George N. Allen III and his wife Candice Wilson Allen of New Braunfels, his sister Allison Allen Holland and her husband Charles “Chico” Holland of Dallas, and sister in law Carrie Robertson Allen. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great grandchildren; Bonnie Abell Muecke and her husband Mark Walter Muecke, and their children Lillie, Olivia, and Walt of San Antonio; Joseph Miles Abell IV and his wife Katherine Davis Abell of Austin; Amanda Roam Ratliff and her husband Eric, and their children Kinsley and Logan of Austin; Elizabeth Ashley Roam of Huntsville, Alabama and numerous nieces and nephews.

George attended River Oaks Elementary School and Sidney Lanier Junior High School. He met his dearest Bonnie Blades in their seventh grade homeroom. He spent one year of high school at Mirabeau B. Lamar High School then attended The Kent School in Kent, Connecticut. For college, he attended the Rice Institute (now Rice University) for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the Naval ROTC. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Following college, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy. George and Bonnie were married on the 5th of June, 1953 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Houston. The following day, George received orders to depart for the US League Island in Yokuska, Japan on the ship League Island. Bonnie flew to Japan and lived with George in naval bases at Zushi and Sasebo. George bestowed the nickname “Okusan” (meaning “wife” in Japanese) on her ever after. When George’s ship was ordered to the Philippine Islands, Bonnie returned to Houston and soon gave birth to their first child Melinda. She was three months old when George saw her for the first time. The family moved to San Diego where George completed his tour of duty, after which they returned to Houston where Amy and George III were born.

George joined Southern Engine and Pump Company in 1955, a business founded in 1908 by his grandfather, Charles Avando Leavens. George became president of the company, later renamed to SEPCO Industries. George’s civic activities included helping found Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas, where he served on the board of trustees for a number of years, and being a faithful member of the Church of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. His parents were among its founding members. In his youth, George earned the Eagle Scout Honor in Troop 55. Being a part of this wonderful parish always brought George love, hope, and peace.

Some of George’s favorite joys were playing golf and hunting in South Texas with the closest of friends. Cooking quail at a campfire under the Texas sunset–along with margaritas and a classic George Strait song–capped off the perfect day. He was a passionate fan and supporter of UT football.

He and Bonnie honeymooned in Colorado Springs and loved spending their summers there with friends and family. George’s grandmother, Mariah McKean Allen, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was one of the first residents of the Broadmoor. After her death, her home was given to the Episcopal Church where the Chapel of Our Saviour is located today. George Allen III and his wife Candice were married in the historical chapel on the 29th of September 2001.

His warm and enduring relationships were an everlasting source of happiness. He loved surrounding himself with others, and he treasured close friendships. George was a member of Houston Country Club (serving as President from 1981-1982), Allegro, and Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Later in life, George loved his Friday nights with friends at his favorite seafood restaurant, Joyce’s. He was proud to call the owner, Francisco Ruiz, a loyal friend. George planned and enjoyed his “Covey Up” parties at Joyce’s for years. They dined on dove and quail specialties while donning their favorite “camo” and hunting attire. He also enjoyed singing with Geoff Allen, the pianist at Fuad’s Restaurant in Houston.

The family wishes to thank Maribel Sanchez for her 39 years of service to the Allen family, and the Belmont Village of Hunters Creek for their care and friendship for 4 ½ years.

A memorial service celebrating George’s life will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 17th of February at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where The Rev. Dr. R. Leigh Spruill, Rector and The Rev. Dr. Douglas Richnow, Priest Associate will officiate. For those unable to attend the service, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Mr. Allen's online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the "Join Livestream" icon on the Memorial Service section.

Immediately following, all are invited to join the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard., Houston, TX, 77019; Episcopal High School, 4650 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX, 77401; or to the charity of one’s choice.