I first met Mr. Allen in 1998, some time after Elizabeth and I started dating.  I am not normally overwhelmed by people who claim to be brilliant or smart but fail to exhibit those traits.  However, Mr. Allen was different in that regard:  he showed himself to be brilliant and smart in many ways.

As time went on Mr. Allen was always willing to offer helpful input about various issues that would come up within the family or things political or spiritual.

I have come to believe that Mr. Allen was indeed what I would call a polymath.  A polymath (Greek: p???µa???, polymathes, "having learned much"),[1] sometimes (if male) referred to as a Renaissance Man, is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. In less formal terms, a polymath (or polymathic person) may simply be someone who is very knowledgeable.

Indeed, a renaissance man.  Mr. Allen was a man who made himself feel useful and needed by helping others with his knowledge.

It was only after Mr. Allen went to the greater reward that I was able to appreciate how many areas that he spent significant time learning to the point of expertise:  Coin collecting, bible reading and comparison of not just one or two bibles but a dozen or more.  These are just a few areas that I can think of but I know there are  many more. 

Mr. Allen:  You will be missed.

I just want to express my deepest sympathy to Bob's family and friends. Although it has been many years since I have seen Bob, I remember him from my childhood and the brother of one of my best friends,Becky. I know he will be missed by all.

I was a near neighbor of Bob and Becky as we were growing up.  Being sort of a tomboy and younger than Bob, I tagged after him as he sometimes explored at the creek behind our house.  He was always patient with this tag-along.  It has been many years since 1955 when I left that town and I haven't seen Bob since but it was with fond memories of years gone by that I shed tears when Becky notified me of his leaving this present life.  The old pictures posted brought back many fond memories. I do express sincere condolences to all of his family.

Bob and I grew up together and were best of friends through High School. Our paths had not crossed until recently when we talked on the telephone. Bob will be missed but know he is in a better place.

BOB AND RUTH HAVE ALWAYS BEN SO KIND NEIGHBORS . IVE BEEN THERE NEIGHBOR  FOR THREE ANDA HALF YEARS IVE BECAME CLOSE TO THEM WE LAUGH,WE TALK AND TALKED I ENJOYED TAKING DINNER TO THEM.BOB YOUWILL TRULY BE MISSED. EDDY,MARISA VALDEZ AND FAMILY

Bob and Ruth Ann have always been the best kind of neighbors.  Bob was such a blessing when my husband was physically unable to do things around the house and car.  Bob was always ready to step in and lend a hand.  

After my husband's stroke, Bob called him every day to be sure he was up and about.   They would talk for long periods about the Navy or, perhaps, politics.  These conversations were an important part of his therapy. 

 Once when my car battery died several miles from home, Bob not only came and gave it a jump start, he put a charger on it overnight so I could go get the battery replaced the next day.  

I appreciate having known him and salute his service to America.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

One of my favorite memories about my Grandpa is when he took me shooting for the first time out at Ben Avery Shooting Range. My mom, Uncle Rob, and Grammy went too, and we packed the Suburban with snacks for a full day out. I think I was 12 or so, and the thought of shooting a gun was both scary and exciting. Of course, if you know anything about our family and guns, excitement won out. I remember the care Grandpa took in showing me the proper stance to take while holding a gun, what each part of the gun did, how to aim, and important safety measures. He was so patient. I think he was also a little proud that his granddaughter took a liking to one of his hobbies. He and I shot several different guns that day, and I enjoyed spending time with him doing something he loved. It was a great day. 

I think that memory exemplifies Grandpa to me. He had so much knowledge about so many things and was willing to share it with his family. 

Love you, Grandpa.


I'm not sure of the year, but Bob & Ruth Ann came to Visalia, CA to spend Christmas with Kay & I.  While others went to Christmas Eve service, Bob & I stayed home & I was charged with getting the fireplace ready so everyone could enjoy the evening by seeing & listening to the crackling fire that Christmas Eve.  About the time everyone was to return home, I lit the fire & it took off with a roar.....then a major probelm.  While putting the wood into the fireplace, I accidentaly knocked the damper shut, & it only took a few minutes to fill the house with smoke & of course the fire alarm went off as well.  Bob & I quickly scrambled around & got all the windows & doors open to try & get rid of the smoke.  Of course I had the damper open by then, but that was way to late.  Oh well....the smoke eventually cleared out & we enjoyed the evening, but I sure did get some funny looks & I was the big joke of the evening.  Thank goodness no one was hurt and we had no damage to the house, as it only damanged my pride.  It wasn't long after that when I received a package in the mail from Bob.  It contained a brass sign with a chain on it so it could hang on the damper control to our fireplace. On one side it read "damper open" & on the other side it read "damper closed". That same sign still hangs on the damper control over our fireplace here in Springfield, MO.  So, needless to say, everytime I see it, I will remember who it came from.  Thanks brother-in-law, as it appears I deserved the sign, and of course I still need the sign to remind me about the damper. Bob & I had many conversations over the years about our time in the military.  Him being in the United States Navy and myself being in the United States Marine Corps.  Both of us were proud of that.  From one veteran to the other, "Thank You for your service Bob to this great country of ours"!!!!!   We will miss you......

Steve Probstfield
Springfield, MO

I have a story to tell about my brother.  Back in the mid-to late '80's Marv & I were
living in San Diego, CA.  Bob and Ruth called from Phoenix and said they were coming to SD to do some sailing and wanted us to join them.  Marv was out of town........we  were in the process of moving from the Chargers to the St.Louis/Phx Cardinals; in St.Louis at the time.  But I said I would love to.............expecting it to be some nice small sailboat.  When I got down to SD Bay that Sat. morning.........it was NOT a small sailboat!  Now I am not one who knows about boats, but this was a huge schooner.....it had sleeping quarters for at least 4 people  and a galley kitchen below, the HUGE wheel up front that Ruth Ann had learned how to manuever.  And Bob kept himself busy handling the sails around SD Bay for the whole day.  It was a delightful day!  And it looked like Bob & Ruth had been doing this all their lives!  I asked him how and when he had learned to sail so confidently........his answer:  he took 2 lessons when he was in S.D.for Navy duty.......the rest he taught himself from reading and just doing it!  I was totally amazed.

We have talked at least twice a month for the past 15 years or so.  I will miss our long
Saturday night political discussions.  Would never have happened if we weren't on
the same political wave-length!  

I will miss you, Big Brother.   But I will see you again in the New Heaven and New Earth!  You have  joined a long list of loved ones who have gone before.  
What a glorious Day that will be!!

Your little sister,

Becky

On Thursday morning, January 31st, Dad passed away in a hospital bed at Phoenix Baptist Hospital with Mom by his side... just as it has always been. He was not in pain and passed in peace. Today we know that he is in a place where the air is easy to breath and all things are understood. 
Dad, I love you.

OBITUARY

Robert Lee Allen Jr.

18 June, 1935 – 31 January, 2013

A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services