Wilford Allen

WILFORD G. ALLEN, 84, died peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at home. Born on October 29, 1928, in Mobile, AL, he was a son of Richard H. and Valena (Peters) Allen. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Peabody High School. Wilford was a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He owned and operated the Allen Barbershop in Pittsburgh before moving to Fort Wayne in 1979, where he worked for the Fort Wayne Minimum Housing Department, the Allen County Board of Health, and the Wayne Township Trustee office, from which he retired in 2006. Wilford loved football (especially the Steelers), and was known for telling jokes and stories. His favorite personal anecdote was about the time he was playing semi-pro football for the Pittsburgh Cubs in 1955 and intercepted a pass thrown by Johnny Unitas, who was playing quarterback that season for the Bloomfield Rams after being cut by the Steelers. In Fort Wayne, Wilford was a member of the Allen County Public Defender Board since its inception, served on the Wayne Township Board in 1998, was a longtime Republican precinct committeeman, and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where he was an usher. He also worked many years as a Little League umpire, served on the board of directors of Metro Youth Sports, and helped coach the Metro Rams football team. Surviving are his wife of 28 years, Margaret Ankenbruck; sons Jeffrey (Cynthia) Allen and Vincent (Susan) Allen of Pittsburgh, and Preston Allen of Fort Wayne; daughter Lauren (Gregory) Jones of Avon, CT; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Charles and Wellington Allen; one sister, Gwen Herndon; a grandson, Brandon Allen; and niece, Diane Winters. Funeral service is Friday 11 A.M. April 26, 2013 at Klaehn, Fahl and Melton Winchester Rd. Chapel 6424 Winchester Rd. Fort Wayne, with calling one hour before. Calling also Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 at the funeral home. Memorials to Metro Youth Sports, Visiting Nurse, or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.