Allen C. Steere

Allen Caruthers Steere Sr., age 102, died suddenly in his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 11, 2010. He was a longtime community leader who worked for the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company throughout most of his career. He remained active with family, friends and community throughout his working and retirement years, even in the week of his death.

Mr. Steere was born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 13, 1908. He graduated from College and Law School at the University of Texas, where he was well known as drum major of the Texas Longhorn Band. In 1931, he started a private law practice in Fort Worth where he met his first wife, Lomarae Summers. They were married for 65 years until her death at age 100 in 2003.

In 1934, he accepted a position as assistant counsel at the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He became senior vice president in 1967, and was elected to the Board of Directors 1969-1973. He was best known at the Lincoln for his work in governmental affairs.

Mr. Steere was involved with many community organizations, including the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Fort Wayne Public Television, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a 50-year member of Rotary and Quest Clubs, and a 70-year member of Plymouth Congregational Church where he served as deacon and trustee.

After the death of his first wife, he married Lois Berger who survives, and by his daughter Marcia Steere and her husband Pelle Wahlstrom of Lexington, Massachusetts and his son Allen (Margaret Mercer) Steere of Wellesley, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Allen, Mark, Meg, Sam, John; and great grandchildren, Ethan, Madeline, Samuel, Caitlyn, and step-children, Brent E. Berger and Ruanne (Berger) Ripley.

Service is at 11 AM, Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 501 W. Berry St., Fort Wayne, Indiana, with calling at Plymouth Church from 4-7 PM on Friday, October 29. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials to Plymouth Congregational Church, Mathew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, The Ft. Wayne Philharmonic or Hospice Home of Northeastern Indiana. Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Wayne St. Chapel in charge of arrangements. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com