Donald Howard Allen

Donald Howard Allen, age 79, passed to life eternal on August 12, 2024, in Marble Falls, Texas. He was born on March 4, 1945, to Howard Charles Allen and Alice Elizabeth (Rucker) Allen in St. Louis, Missouri.

Soon after his birth, the Allens moved to San Antonio, as Don’s father had been drafted to serve in the United States Army. They later relocated to Lamesa, Texas, where Don’s father and grandfather established Allen & Allen Architects. Upon graduation from Lamesa High School, Don attended McMurry College in Abilene, sang in the McMurry Chanters, and earned a BA in English and History. He was inducted into Alpha Chi Honor Society and enjoyed participating in Ko Sari social club.

In his early twenties, Don was stricken with Hodgkin’s Disease. After two years of intense treatments at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, he was cured and grateful to go on to live a full life.

In 1968, Don married Karin Stone of El Paso. He taught school briefly in Lueders, near Abilene, and then for five years at the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. A career change took them to San Diego where he managed a Western Auto store, and it was there that their son, Austin Howard, was born.

Another move took the family to Temple, this time to operate a Baskin Robbins franchise. Don was later employed by the Texas Association of Homes for the Aging, doing research and writing.

After earning a master’s degree in paralegal studies at Southwest Texas State University, he was employed as a legal assistant with Thornton Summers of San Antonio and then in Austin for many years, until his retirement.

His retirement years were filled with caring for his father who passed away at age 99. Don’s final move was to Marble Falls in 2022 to live with his sister Barbara.

Don is fondly remembered for his wit, good humor, caring nature, selflessness, encouragement, and hospitality. He loved his family fiercely and was a friend to all his neighbors.

He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, musical theater, singing, family genealogy, Egyptian and British history, astronomy, reading, puzzles, and good conversation. All his nieces and nephews were given special nicknames, and each held a special place in his heart, as he did in theirs.

Don is survived by his son Austin of Austin, Texas; sister Wanza Grantier (Brooks) of Marshall, Michigan; sister Barbara Bend of Marble Falls, Texas; sister Mary Jane Phelps (Mark) of Kingwood, Texas; his former wife and good friend, Karin Natowitz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 30, 1:00 p.m., at First Methodist Church in Marble Falls, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or a charity of choice.