John Elvin Allen

John Elvin Allen

1948- 2020

JOHN ELVIN ALLEN was born on August 29th, 1948 to the joy of his proud parents, Theodore Allen Sr. and Theresa Smith Allen. The family resided in Garden City Park Community in the Historical Acres Homes area of Houston, Texas. He was the first child born into a family of four siblings: Theodore Allen Jr., Sandra Allen Rhea and Willard Allen Sr.

He attended Garden City Elementary School in Klein Independent School District. During his high school years, he went to George Washington Carver High School in Aldine ISD. In 1966, he graduated from Klein High School where he was on the baseball team.

After High School he enrolled in Blinn Jr. College in Corsicana, Texas. He joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam War in 1968. During his four years in the military he was stationed aboard the USS New Orleans. During his stint in the Navy he was at one time stationed in the Philippines and Hawaii.

On March 8, 1968 John united in marriage to Betty Jean Vincent. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Nikki Von Allen on August 21, 1968. Their second child, daughter Shatara Johnielle Allen was born on October 1, 1971.

Shortly after leaving the navy, John was employed by National Airlines until 1986 when they were bought out by Pan Am Airlines. He remained employed with Pan Am until 1991 when they ceased operating. During his employment with the airlines, John was a world traveler. He took his family on many trips, such as Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Paris France, London England, Hawaii, various states and other places. John had a successful second career working for JC Penny’s men’s suit department where he ultimately retired.

During his early years, he attended Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church. He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Therie Washington. He later moved his membership to Living Word Fellowship Church under the leadership of Dr. Paul Cannings. He later became a member of First Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Willard V. Allen Sr. where he faithfully served on the Usher board.

He was an avid bowler and was on several bowling teams. While employed at Pan Am Airlines, he was on their baseball team. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time as a member of the Monday morning Breakfast Club. He also loved playing dominoes, bid whist, poker and watching sports on TV.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Theresa Allen, along with his brother, Theodore Allen Jr.

On Monday, July 6, 2020, the Lord called John home. Left to mourn his passing are his loving daughters, Nikki and Shatara Allen. His grandson Thaddeus Allen, great grandchildren Alayna Bell and Thaddeus Allen II, his siblings Sandra Rhea and Pastor Willard Allen Sr., his sister in laws, June and Margaret Allen, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and friends.