Donald Cole Allen PhD's Obituary
Donald Cole Allen, PhD. of Memphis, Tennessee, age 96, peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ on Friday 26th, 2019. Don was born on September 9,1922 to parents Raymond Daniel Allen and Anne Elizabeth Cole in Dallas, Tx. (both deceased). He married Mary Jane Dunn on July 11, 1942 in Rockwall, Tx. (deceased).He was survived by two loving daughters-Dianne (Robert) Guthrie and Cynthia (David) Johnson. In addition, Don was also Granddaddy to 5 grandchildren__ Emily (Terrance) Tippitt; Tonya (Justin) Shuman; Stephen Ashworth; Wade (Kelly) Messer; and Pamela (Josh) Workman. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.Don lived and incredible life to its fullest. After serving his country in the US Navy in World War 11., he rose through the ranks of Ely & Walker from Traveling Salesman to President and CEO. Earned multiple degrees, including a PhD in Business, degrees in Law, Art, and Paleontology, was an avid tennis player, guitarist, harmonica player, artist and fisherman. After retiring from his position of Chairman of the Board for Washington Industries, Don founded the Allen Christian Foundation, a religious charity that has proudly given more to worthy causes than its original endowment. He had a heart for Jesus displayed daily to family and friends, along with his boundless humor and wit. Amidst a life so full of accomplishment, perhaps his most notable achievement of all was the unwavering dedication and priority he placed upon his wife, children, and grandchildren, He will be forever missed.Memorial services and Reception will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at First Evangelical Church at 735 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, Tn. 38120 at 2:00 Pm.Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “A Fitting Farewell for Everyone”. .
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