Gene received a Bachelor's degree and two Master's Degrees from what is now Louisiana Tech and taught at LSU in Baton Rouge before moving back to make Marion his home again. He worked for years there with his brothers in various businesses. The brothers, along with their father, wives, and some of the children, were part of the Allen Family Singers, a Gospel group that performed in and around the North Louisiana area. Later, known as "The Ole Professor", he owned and operated mobile home businesses in Bossier City and Tyler. He settled in Tyler and opened Pets and Friends, which he greatly enjoyed until his retirement. He loved his church home, Noonday Baptist, in Tyler, and was often part of the church band, singing and playing his mandolin.
Gene is survived by his wife, Susan Allen; his four children, Sherry, Terri, Wayne, and Layne Allen; Mother-in-law, Sue Ann Richardson; five grandchildren, Ryan (Leah) Allen, Courtney (Devin) Trotti, Allison (Josh) Kersh, Sarah (Aaron) Herrell, and Thomas Allen; nine great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; and friends who became family, Rita and Haril Morris, and Paula Guthrie.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Lifford and Viola Allen; wife, Oreline "Ginny" Roberts; brothers, Charles (Dorothy Jean) Allen, Bruce (Virginia) Allen; nephews, Ricky Anders and Alvin Allen, and niece, Renee Roberts Barnard.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Allen, Richard Allen, Jerry Mac Allen, Dwayne Anders, David Roberts, Ryan Allen, Thomas Allen, and Haril Morris.
The family has been blessed by the overflowing love, support, and faithful prayers of family and friends. God bless you, all! And to the great caregivers at the Peaches Owens Heart Hospital and Hospice of East Texas, "Thank you!" Your compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.
Contributions in Gene's memory may be made to Noonday Baptist Church (Music Department), and The Humane Society's Pets Fur People.
A time of visitation for Gene will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Noonday Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of life memorial at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Brother Scott Gorbett.
