Leon Tilden Allen

Leon was born November 6, 1937 in Charlotte, NC to LJ Allen and Myla Hardman Allen. Paternal grandparents were John Shields and Mary Allen. His maternal grandparents were Tilden and Lenora Hardman. His middle name, Tilden, is in honor of his Grandfather Tilden Hardman. He joined a 6-year-old brother, Charles, who was upset to no longer be an only child. When Leon was 2 years old, the family returned to Jackson County where LJ and Myla had grown up. Later they moved to Clarke County on the 106 Spur.

A country boy, Leon milked the family cow before school. He attended the University of Georgia High School located on land now part of the Medical School. He graduated in 1955 and stayed active in alumni events over the years.

LJ Allen started a rural grocery store during Leon’s high school years. Leon and Charles both worked there. As his father became ill, Leon was given control of Allen Groceries which he ran for 20 years. He then built three chicken houses and turned the store over to his son Mark.

At age 18, Leon joined the Army Reserves, 341st Postal unit headquartered in Athens. In his 42 year military career, he rose to Sergeant of the unit and set up postal services for war games in Korea and Germany. In 1987 Governor Harris bestowed the Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Aide de Camp, the Governor’s Staff to Sgt. Allen. During Desert Storm, Sgt. Allen served in DC. If President Bush received a complaint about mail service to or from the Desert Storm area, it was Sgt. Allen’s responsibility to investigate the problem, solve it if possible, then write a letter for the President’s signature.

Starting in the late 70’s, Leon raised broilers for Gold Kist. In 1997 he was named the Outstanding Broiler Performance, NE GA Division. Over the years, he also built up a herd of cattle. Leon worked the farm along with his sons and often said how much he had enjoyed the life. He continued to farm until he had quintuple bypass surgery.

In retirement, Leon and his wife Dori enjoyed travel in Europe, especially with their friends Christa and Hubert.

Leon was predeceased by his parents LJ and Myla Allen, brother Charles Alfred Allen and son Michael Anthony Allen.

He is survived by his wife Dori and five sons: Mark Leon Allen and fianceé, Robin Park, Matthew Tilden Allen and wife, Debbie Allen, Mitchell Stephen Allen and wife, Sally Stanfield Allen, Martin Phillip Allen and wife, Stacey Allen and Jake Mowrer and wife, Gitta Pap.

His surviving grandchildren are Heather and husband, Zack Evans, Chad Allen, Casey and husband, Brandon Hayes, Brooke and husband, Matt Cooper, Ana Mowrer and Olen Mowrer. Great-grandchildren are Madison Allen, Graeme Tilden Hayes, Caroline and Erin Cooper, Landon and Noah and Ava Evans, and Aspen Smith

The family wishes to recognize the excellent care given to Mr. Allen by Dr. R. Bhargava of Georgia Cancer Specialists and her staff, the Enhabit Home Health Group, Traveling Angels Senior Care and Bristol Hospice.

Services will be Friday, June 16 at Bernstein Funeral Home at 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens. Visitation at 1:30 pm with the funeral service at 3:00 pm. Burial at the cemetery at 1761 Highway 29 North, adjacent to Canvas Church.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.