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Derrell Allen Obituary
Derrell Wilford Allen of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on March 6, 2011 after a long, courageous battle with leukemia. Derrell was born October 11, 1938 to Clarence W. and Thelma Patten Allen in Ajo, AZ. He graduated from Ajo High School in 1956 and from ASU in 1960. Derrell served an LDS mission in Uruguay and then joined the Air Force Reserves. He taught PE in the Phoenix Elementary District for 33 years, primarily at Ann Ott. Derrell is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marsha; their 5 children: Brett of Prescott, Darren of Parker, Kevin of Scottsdale, Yvette Del Prado (Justin) of New River and Brian of Tempe; his brother Gary L. Allen (Kathy) of Lakeside and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Friday, March 11th, 6-8 pm at Green Acres Mortuary 401 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale. Funeral Services: Saturday, March 12th 10am at LDS Scottsdale Stake Center 2202 N. 74th St, Scottsdale with visitation at 9am. www.greenacresmortuary.net
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Memories and Condolences
for Derrell Allen
Jose Escarcega
March 4, 2019
You were a Big inspiration and guidance in my life. You made me a better person and I will always appreciate you and never forget you. RIP Mr. Allen...
March 19, 2011
Mr. Allen May you rest peace. I had the honor of being coached by such the best coach 43yrs ago! We were the Thunderbirds then and you taught me to have pride and to be a team player! I am proud to say that I became a coach to my son from age 7, til he went to H/S and we both coached his oldest 2 and now coaches his youngest. You were a positive role model for me and so many others. You will never be forgotten Coach Allen. Thank you, Til we meet again! Rest In Peace!
Our sincere condolences to the Allen Family!
Sincerely,
Anthony & Christina
Santoya
[email protected]
Jose Escarcega
March 15, 2011
Mr Allen you were an inspiration to me and you instilled good qualities that I have carried with me all my life. I could not have a better role model then you.
Pearl ( Joya) Kelly
March 15, 2011
To the Allen family, May God give you the peace that passes all understanding in your time of loss. I never had the privilage of directly being coached by Mr. Allen but I too, got to know him from the impact and mentoring he gave to my Ex-Husband Manuel Mendoza. Manuel was his star quaterback on the football team & basketball team and also his star track runner. Mr. Allen went out of his way to be a friend to both of us especially after the birth of our first child. We were kids having kids and he coached Manuel in many different ways including becoming a Father at such a young age. He took him to his first Phoenix Suns game and had many many Father son talks with him. I remember he always pushed him to never give up no matter what and to always be the best he could be. He was a beacon of inspiration in both our young lives and years at Ann Ott. Mr. Allen knew Manuel did not grow up knowing his father and that his Grandmother raised him so he took him under his wing and reinforced nothing but positive things in him. We both have nothing but good things to say about this extroardinary man and his natural instinct to help others and genuinely care for people regardless of race, color or religion. There are few people in this world like him! He will be sadly missed! He treated us as though we were family and I am glad we have soooo many memories to cherish of him!
Larry Watkins
March 14, 2011
Mr. Allen, you will be missed. You were such a inspiration to so many people. You were and always will be my Coach. You were the first teacher that treated us like adults and did not look down on us. You took me in 1966 along with other students to a Harlam Globetrotters game. I remember that to this day. You also took me to my first ASU football game in 1967. You were indeed a father figure to so many students. I was honored to be at your retirement a few years back. With all the people that showed up, it proved to us what a great man you are. I will never forget you. You will always be the mold of what a great teacher is. I will never forget you. I was so lucky to been a student under you. You are a great man!!! Till we meet again, Larry
Ken and Kerry Driggs
March 13, 2011
Marsha--Hope that the funeral and arrangements went well. We remember Derrell's bright smile and can do attitude. He was a joy to be around and to talk sports, especially ASU sports. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
connie Turnbough (Araiza)
March 13, 2011
Mr. Allen. The best P E Teacher ever. He was an inspiration to many students. He will b missed. My condolences to his family.
Daniel Baeza
March 13, 2011
Rest in Peace Mr. Allen. You were a great teacher and friend.
Sylvia Burkhart
March 11, 2011
Mr Allen, you gave new meaning to the word "mentor" I have always respected you and appreciated the time and effort you gave to the students at Ann Ott.. To the Allen family, you are in my prayers at this time.. God Bless you all!.. ?
Rest in Peace Mr Allen..†
Sylvia *Vallejo* Burkhart
The Cabecera Family
March 11, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Mr. Allen bring you comfort.
Mr. Allen was the Ann ott icon. He will never be forgotten.
Diane Slack
March 11, 2011
What a blessing to have had the opportunity to work with someone who always lived his life with the utmost integrity, honesty and respect. As long as someone remembers you, you will never die, Derrell. You will always be a hunk! Your smile will always stay in my mind. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My deepest condolences to them. Please know that Derrell was so loved by so many.
Diane Slack
Tempe, AZ
Carlos Chapa
March 11, 2011
Over 40 years since grade school and there are very few teachers that I can remember, Mr. Allen was one them. He was our own 'Mr. Holland's Opus' successful in the exhausting life of teaching and coaching. My condolences to the family, he was a great man, and will not be forgotten.
Denise Escalante
March 11, 2011
Mr.Allen was a great man. The best coach he was loving,caring, and role model. Thank you for being part of our lives.
Sophia Pantoja-Flores
March 11, 2011
My condolences to the Allen family. Mr. Allen was a great PE Coach and Teacher at Ann Ott School and will be deeply missed. I remember he and Mrs. Mead always had the BEST teams because we were on it and they cared for us as students. Such great elementary school memories.
SANDRA SANTOYA AROZ
March 11, 2011
REST IN PEACE MR. ALLEN.
Yolanda Gutierrez
March 11, 2011
Mr. Allen will always be remembered. He was a great man! My family and I loved and respected him for all the greatness he shared with each one of us! He will be missed...Rest in Peace Mr. Allen...I will keep his family in my Prayers! God Bless!
Angelica Medina
March 11, 2011
REST IN PEACE MR. ALLEN. You will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danny B.
March 11, 2011
My sincere condolences to the entire Allen Family. ... I will always remember Mr. Allen as a great human with a great big bright smile. Heaven just got brighter.
Edward Lerma
March 11, 2011
Mr. Allen started his teaching career in 1965 at Ann Ott grade school,(I was in the 4th grade) in the barrio of south central Phoenix. The school was made up of 90+ % Mexican Americas. Some of us were from families who were here legally and some from families of illegal immigrants. One thing is for certain, Mr. Allen cared about all of us. Mr. Allen took me to my first Phoenix Suns igame in 1968. It was the first regular season home game the Phoenix Suns ever played. The Suns scored 41 points in the first quarter (pre 3 point shots) against the Atlanta Hawks, and then hung on to win the game.
Mr. Allen cared about the students he taught. In the summer he formed his own baseball league, so that the Chicano students could play baseball. Sure, Little League existed, just not in the barrio where we lived. He would buy a 50lb bag of crushed ice and sell snow cone for 5¢or 10¢ to raise money to pay for the uniforms and baseball.
To this date I never called Mr. Allen by his first name. I had that much respect for Mr. Allen the man, teacher, and mentor. Mr. Allen you will be missed.
March 11, 2011
My deepest sympathy for the Allen family
Millie & Rich Cagan
March 10, 2011
We were saddened to hear of Derrell's passing. Although it's been many years since our families have seen each other, we have wonderful memories. Please know we're thinking of you in your time of loss. You are in our prayers.
John Arvizu
March 10, 2011
For Mr Allen (Coach)of Ann Ott I was in the Six grade when I came to know Mr Allen I was a long lanky kid not to good in all sports but I loved Football and track Mr Allen knew how to bring out the best in us kids at Ann Ott he always made time of us during and after School and even in the summer Break. He would be there all day and even in the evenings during Recreation time when he would turn on the Field Lights so we can be there in a safe place and not in the Streets I'm going to miss Coach Allen he was not only a Coach But a friend A Mentor and to sum a Father you see he Beleaved in all the Kids that went to Ann Ott when he stared working at Ann Ott he had his choice of going to any school he wanted but he pick Ann Ott for what ever reason he did I'm so glad that he did because he taught me so many things in so many ways He keep us Burro's in check Yes Burro's that what he called us when we were messing up I'm one of the Boy's that won the Sullivan Division Football Track and Field and Basketball 2 years in a row I still have the trophy that we won Mr Allen gave it to me couse there were going to close the school I treasure it to this very day Mr (Coach) Allen you were truley a good Coach a Good Friend so to all. When ever Mr Allen ever comes to mind no matter where your at no matter who your with or what your doing when he come's to mind it's not you thinking of him for its Mr Allen coming into you to let you know he is okay and is with all The other Burros that past before us and kids that past before us as well doing what he Does best being a being coach for Gods Playground I'm going to Miss you Mr Allen thank you for being there for us if it wasn't for you being there for us in a Barrio Neiborhood it wouln't be Ann Ott I love you (PUT ME IN COACH) the crazyest Burro of them all John V Arvizu........
Stephanie S
March 10, 2011
Mr Allen will be remembered & respected by my entire famly. He taught my mom, aunts, cousins & myself in PE @ Ann Ott school. My condolences to his family. He was a wondeful person.
Richard Areyzaga
March 10, 2011
Thank you God for allowing me to share my time at Ann Ott with Coach Allen, I really enjoyed being on his team and enjoyed the many games and activities he organized for the children at Ann Ott School. You and your family will be remembered in my prayers. May God bless your family as the grieve the loss of someone who was truly loved. Mr. A.
Avri Barber
March 10, 2011
R.I.P Grandpa, I love you, I always will..
Natalie Benitez
March 10, 2011
Mr. Allen "Coach Allen"(as we all RESPECTFULLY addressed him was an inspiration to many & a dedicated PE Coach. All the students of Ann Ott have many stories to share of Mr. Allen. He was truly a remarkable man.
There are some we meet in passing
And forget as soon as they go
There are some we remember with pleasure And feel honoured and privileged to know
You were that kind of person
Who leaves beautiful memories behind
And there will be many days
Which will bring fond memories to mind
To Mr. Allen's Family, Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hirma yanez
March 10, 2011
Mr. Allen lived a wonderful and long life and gave so much to the students of Ann Ott. Thank you for your dedication throughout the years. It was a pleasure having you as a P.E teacher. May your family find peace in there hearts knowing that your are in a greater place.
Sylvia Marquez Soto
March 10, 2011
Coach Allen was a beautiful man
inside and outside he cared about
his family at Ann ott School.He
will be missed by manny.
God Bless his Family.
connie Turnbough
March 10, 2011
Mr. Allen was the best P.E. teacher ever. He will never be forgotten. God Bless.
timmy espinoza
March 9, 2011
coach allen,one of the most genuine,caring people i had the honor of knowing growing up.could be stern when need be, yet had a great sense of humor. you will be missed
pedro anzures
March 9, 2011
this human being taught me respect, hope, ethics and a lot more as i inneracted with him as my P.E coach at Ann Ott school.Thank you for all your efforts and your gidence including the times you swated me. You will be missed by the manny who knew what you were made of. may god have a good place for you in heaven. Anzures. (phoenix).
Yvonne Mercado
March 9, 2011
YouWill be missed dearly mr. allen you always taught us right from wrong and youll always be the greatest p.e. Coach maybe your family have peace knowing ur in a better place now .
Becky Yanez
March 9, 2011
He was a great coach with a great smile and laugh and those glasses he never changed. :)
When ever I see a kick ball or soft ball game I always remembered coach Allen. Thank you for making me love flag football.
Becky Yanez (Ann Ott)
Lydia Verdugo
March 9, 2011
Mr. Allen, you will be missed by all my family and of course your Ann Ott family! May you rest in peace.
dunie cruz
March 9, 2011
For a lot of us who grew up fatherless in the Milpas (near AnnOtt) he was a strong male figure in our lives.....RIP MR ALLEN
dunie cruz
March 9, 2011
Great coach , to a lot of us who grew up fatherless in the Milpas (near AnnOtt), he was a very strong male fjgure in our lives.... RIP MR ALLEN
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