Thomas Allen

Thomas Ray Allen, 71, passed away on March 13, 2023. Tom was born on December 26, 1951 to Don and Billie Allen in Sanderson, Texas. Tom was a seventh generation Texan and a descendant of Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300. Early in life, he learned the value of hard work on the West Texas sheep ranches that had been managed by his family for generations. Long, hot days rounding-up livestock on horseback were followed by dips in the swimming tank and home cooked meals by his mother. As a young man, he was baptized in the Pecos River, and his faith would guide him the rest of his life.

Tom moved to Abilene in 1971 to attend Abilene Christian College. He worked at the Fishing Village Marina at Ft. Phantom where the boss’s daughter, Judy, caught his eye. Tom and Judy were married on August 10, 1974 after Tom graduated from ACC. Tom worked as a CPA for various companies including Davis Kinard, LaJet, Texas Drilling Company, the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, and finally as the Vice President and CFO of the Dodge Jones Foundation. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene for many years and served on the board of the Community Foundation of Abilene.

Tom was adventurous and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking with his sons Johnny, Ben, and Cade and his black labs, Katy and Dub. He also loved the sunshine, swimming, and the beach. Hawaii was his happy place, and he traveled there as often as possible with Judy. Tom loved spoiling his grandkids by taking them to get “C” (candy) at the gas station any time they were together. He served as an elder at Southern Hills Church of Christ, where he ministered to countless families with kindness, generosity, and servant leadership.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judy, of 48 years, his daughter Lori and her husband Paul Wallace, and their daughters Macy and Zoey of Abilene, son Johnny Nguyen and his children Ben and Sydney Nguyen of Abilene, and son Cade and his wife Madison (Harris) Allen of Houston. His “adopted” son and daughter are David and Allison Connor and their children Gentry, Emberly, Hartley, and Oakley. He is also survived by his mother Billie Smith Allen of Abilene, his sister Vicki (Tim) Deveny of Abilene, and his brother Steve (Carla) Allen of Fredericksburg, TX, his sister-in-law Laura Allen of White Oak, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jana and William Sojourner; their daughter Amy (Logan) Critz, son Clint (Katy) Sojourner, and daughter Katy (Cole) Oliver and 8 great nieces and nephews. Tom and Judy lost their beloved son Benjamin Thomas Allen in 2008. He is also preceded in death by his father, Don Allen of Colorado City, and his younger brother Gary Allen of White Oak, Texas.

A memorial visitation for Tom will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Family's Home, 40 Bay Bridge Circle, Abilene, Texas 79602. A memorial service will occur Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the community at Lyndale Memory Care and to Hospice of the Big Country for providing care to Tom over the last several years of his life. Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Big Country and the Ben T. Allen Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Abilene.