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1930
2013
(News Article) Wendell Allen, a retired Maumee Muncipal Court judge who earned a strict and tough reputation, especially in drunk driving cases, died Friday in Otterbein in Monclova Township. He was 82.
His wife of 60 years, Katherine Allen, said he died from heart failure and had been in declining health since 2001 after he underwent back surgery.
Mr. Allen was elected Maumee judge in 1975 with Democratic and Republican party endorsements. He was re-elected to two more six-year terms. He chose not to run for a fourth term in 1993, and instead retired.
"I wanted to enjoy my good health when I could," he told The Blade in a story published in 1994. "It's been a labor of love, and I want to thank the residents for their support."
During his 18 years as a jurist, Mr. Allen developed a reputation for throwing the book at drunk drivers. However, sentencing was the part of the job that he enjoyed the least, he told the newspaper.
"You're upholding your job and doing what needs to be done... You have a human being in front of you, and you do have compassion for the human being and his or her family, yet you feel compelled to do your duty. You're the guy who has to protect the interests of society."
Maumee Mayor and attorney Richard Carr said Judge Allen was very thorough and he expected the attorneys who appeared in court to be prepared and thorough as well.
As far as his stance on drunk driving convictions, Mr. Carr said Mr. Allen pushed for strong sentences when other judges were amending the charged to physical control and reckless operation.
"He was ahead of the curve on the approach he took in that, and is now followed by every court in the area," he said.
An Akron native, Mr. Allen enrolled in the University of Toledo college of law after serving in the Air Force. He worked as an adjuster for insurance companies during the day and went to classes at night, his wife said. He graduated in 1960, and subsequently was approved to practice law in Ohio.
He opened a private law office in Maumee and spent two years as a public defender in Toledo Municipal Court. He also served as acting judge in the Maumee court before getting elected in 1975.
Mr. Allen and his wife moved to Maumee in 1957 and he became active in many civic and service organizations.
He was a long time member of the Maumee Rotary, serving as president of the group. The Maumee Chamber of Commerce named him Outstanding Citizen in 1977. He was a past president of the chamber
Mr. Allen was born March 20, 1930. He graduated from 1948 from Akron Garfield High School. He ran track and cross country in high school and college.
He enrolled at the University of Akon and worked part-time at a department store, where he met the former Katherine McGeary, who also worked in the office. They were married on Dec. 27, 1952, after he earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Akron.
While attending college, Mr. Allen was in the Reserve Officers Training Corps and entered the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant. He was stationed in San Antonio and Japan.
Mr. Allen was an avid sports fan and attended area high school games, often with his children.
"Scott, Waite, anywhere there was a big game, he would go," Mr. Carr said. "That was the unique thing. He didn't follow a particular team."
Surviving are his wife, Katherine ; sons, Gregory and Douglas; daughters, Rebecca S. Griffith and Michelle Allen-Parker; brothers, Samuel and James Allen and Charles Held; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Maison-Dardenne- Walker Funeral Home, Maumee.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Maumee.
The family suggests tributes to the church's endowment.
16 Entries
I always liked Judge Allen. He was a fair Judge.
February 5, 2013
Judge Allen was a special man who took time to talk with my Dad, Richard, and myself at various times. He was kind, sincere, very intelligent, and compassionate--he will be missed and his family has my sincere sympathy.
Susan Bannister
February 3, 2013
doug, diane, and emily, peace be with all of you at this time. i lost my mother as well not too long ago....she was also 1930. hugs!! the krisjanises
January 31, 2013
To the Allen family, Judge Allen was a good friend and an outstanding judge. He will be missed. REST IN PEACE YOUR HONOR. Till we meet again.
michael friedman
January 31, 2013
A great man! He served his community well. My sincere sympathy to the Wendell Allen family.
Tom Peirce
January 31, 2013
Judge Allen was a hero to me - a young and idealistic trooper. He never brushed me off, was willing to tell me where I could improve, encouraged me and indicated that he believed I was an asset. Well, it takes one to know one. I sometimes mention you in the classes I teach. Thanks for everything, Judge Allen. - Lt. M. J. Hunter U-452 (Ret.)
Michael Hunter
January 30, 2013
Judge Allen was one of the best, as a retired state trooper I had many court cases in front of Judge Allen. You better be prepared when you went in front of him or he would make your day not a good one. He was fair and very firm, he really cared for the troopers and he was respected by us. He was really good to work with.
Ronald Strobe
January 30, 2013
Judge Allen was one of the best, I,m a retired state trooper and had many court cases in front of Judge Allen. You better be prepared when you went into court or he would eat you up. He was fair but firm. He really cared for the troopers and we all respected him.
Ronald Strobe
January 30, 2013
Judge Allen was a patient, thoughtful and wise mentor early in my legal career. He held himself and others to a high standard with a grace and dignity that prompted respect and appreciation. He served the community and his profession well.
Lonnie Lutz
January 29, 2013
This man saved my life, he was kind enough to give me six months in jail to contemplate just what I was doing to my self and others and the larger question? was I ever going to grow up?.Although ungrateful at the time I never drank again, May God bless him !Thank you your Honor,rest in peace.
Tom Stevers
January 29, 2013
I can remember going to more than one sporting event with Mr. Allen and Doug. He would often "mentor" both of us with his wisdom and wit...what a great sense of humor he had. But, beyond that he was one of the first men that I saw consistently putting the well-being of others before his own needs. That spoke volumes to me and I am sincerely grateful that God gave me the blessing of knowing the entire Allen family!
Bob Johns
January 29, 2013
Throughout my adult life, I have encountered people who knew my uncle as a judge in Maumee and the overwhelming sentiment was that he was a tough judge. Some referred to him as the "hanging judge" because he was so tough on drunk drivers who came before him in his courtroom. I will always be proud of him for that. May he rest in peace.
Liz Allen
January 29, 2013
I have so many found memories that will last a lifetime. I will remember my last visit with him where we remembered funny stores. He was in such good spirits. Praying for the family in this time of grief.
Lori Piekos-Granata
January 29, 2013
Very sad to hear of Judge Allen's passing. He was a fine man. Keeping his family in my prayers.
Patricia Machoukas
January 29, 2013
We've lost a fine man and outstanding jurist, with whom we remember many good times. Our deep sympathy to Kathy & children-----he was indeed a good one!
Bruce & Joan Hankins, San Jose Costa Rica
January 29, 2013
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
The Cole-Kowalski Family
January 29, 2013
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