Charles Garland Allard

Charles Garland Allard, 89, died peacefully on February 24, 2010 surrounded by the family he loved so much. Born on February 10, 1921 in Ireland, Texas, Garland spent the last 26 years of his life in Austin. He was the next to youngest of the seven children of Charles Dow Allard and Maggie Cherry Allard. He spent his childhood in Dawson, Texas where he developed an ardent love of learning. Growing up in a large family in a small Texas town during the 1920s and 30s, Garland understood early on the values of duty, honesty, integrity, economy, and love of family, as well as the virtues of hard work and self-reliance. He exemplified these values and virtues throughout his long and wonderful life. After attending public schools in Dawson, Garland studied at TCU and Baylor and ultimately received a Bachelors of Education from North Texas State Teachers College. He then began his career as a teacher and vocational counselor. In April of 1942, Garland enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. Assigned to the 303rd Bombardment Group "Hell's Angels" Combat Team, Garland was stationed at air bases in England during the Second World War. As the radio operator for his crew, he flew over 30 B-17 bombing missions in Northern Europe from September 1942 to June 1945. Like many Americans who served their country, Garland was reticent about discussing his combat experience, but the Distinguished Service Award and a number of other honors bestowed upon him underscore the courage and sacrifices he made during his three years of service in Europe. One wartime experience Garland did love to talk about was the opportunity he had to play the piano for the Queen and King of England during a visit they made to the Allied base where he was stationed. After the war, Garland returned to Texas to resume his teaching and counseling career. Shortly thereafter, fate took Garland to Chicago, Illinois where he met and fell in love with Laura Ross, the sister of Jim Ross, his good friend and the former flight crew officer from the 303rd. Garland and Laura were married on July 5, 1947. Thus began 50 years of love and devotion and a marriage that was as close to perfect as can be imagined. Desirous of continuing his education, Garland attended Chicago's Northwestern University where he received a Doctor of Philosophy in 1957. He and Laura then moved to South Texas where they lived and worked together for years to come. After retiring in 1978, Garland pursued his passions for bridge, gardening, cooking, and classical music. Among his most treasured experiences were his many trips to Fort Worth to attend the Van Cliburn piano competitions. Sadly, his wife Laura died in 1997. But Garland refused to quit on life. During the twelve years after Laura's death, Garland traveled extensively. He took ten trips to Europe and the Middle East, nine with his good friend Tuffley Ellis and one with his grandson Clayton. Garland was preceded in death by his wife Laura; his parents, Charles Dow Allard and Maggie Cherry Allard; his brothers Harry, Wayne, Roland, and David; and his sisters Margaret and Jane. He is survived by his son, James Ross Allard of Cary, North Carolina; his daughter, Jane Allard Matheson and her husband, Dan Matheson, of Austin; his granddaughters, Sarah Fink, and her husband, Noah Fink, of Austin; Claire Reyes, and her husband, Paul Reyes, of Dallas; his grandson, Clayton Matheson, of Austin; his three great granddaughters, Kayla and Emilia Fink of Austin and Lily Reyes of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, North Lamar, on Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2010, at St. Mary's Cathedral, at 203 East 10th Street, Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary's Cathedral or to a charity of your choice.