Gene Milton Allen

Gene Milton Allen, 89, of Longmont passed away July 1, 2017 at Longmont United Hospital.He was born September 9, 1927 in Boulder, CO to George H. and Ph be Edna (Coon) Allen. Gene was raised on the family farm in NE Boulder. He attended Boulder High School and at the age of 16 he joined the Merchant Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was honorably discharged. Returning form service Gene earned his high school diploma.On November 28, 1946, he married Darlene Edith Simon in Denver. They established a home base in Boulder after their marriage. However, his work took him to many Colorado cities. The family permanently moved to Longmont in 1970.Gene's long career began as the City of Boulder Chief Building Inspector. He was the first planning Director in Grand Junction and while there spearheaded the Downtown redesign which won and All-American Cities award. He moved on to Fort Collins, again as their first planning director where he created an open space program and a master plan. Gene was then Longmont's first planning director in the early 1970's, followed by his return to the City of Boulder planning department. Gene served as City Manager for the towns of Collbran, Nederland and Wellington. He continued as a consultant on land planning issues until he was 87 years old.Gene was a member of the Longmont Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served as an Elder and head Deacon for many years. He was also a member of several different Lions Clubs, serving twice as President of the Collbran club; American Legion Post 32, where he was active for many years with the Honor Guard; N.R.A. and the American Institute for Planning.He enjoyed fishing, camping and anything to do with the outdoors with family and friends.Gene's goal, and his legacy, wherever he worked was to make improvements that made the cities more beautiful and safe for residents to enjoy.He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Bolton and brothers Everett and John Allen.Gene is survived by his wife Darlene, daughter Susan Diane Bowick and husband John DeWitt Boice and son Mike Allen and wife Donna all of Longmont.Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00am on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11:00am on Wednesday. Lunch will follow at Longmont Seventh-day Adventist Church. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder. Memorial contributions can be made to American Legion Post 32 or the Longmont Humane Society and sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.