Algernon R. Allen

Algernon R. Allen -- of West Lafayette, IN, died Friday June 23rd at the Corvallis Manor Nursing Home in Corvallis, OR. He had been in failing health for six months. Al was born in Atlanta, GA, on November 8, 1930. In 1944, his family moved to Mobile, AL. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1948. He attended Spring Hill College and was an active member of the Dixie Division of the National Guard while there. Later he transferred to the University of Alabama where he was elected president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity during 1954 and 1955. He received degrees in both biology and art during this time. In June of 1955, he married classmate Faye Shirlon Wood of Pigeon Creek, AL at the Episcopal Canterbury Chapel in Tuscaloosa, AL. Al's graduate work was at the Medical College of Georgia. He joined the faculty of Purdue University where he founded and directed the Department of Medical Illustration in 1959. In November of that year, he and Faye celebrated the birth of their son, William James. Al held several offices with the Association of Medical Illustrators including a seat on the accreditation board. He and Faye were active in the Episcopal student church in West Lafayette, IN. Al was also a member of several string bands in the Lafayette area and performed at several local festivals. Al was preceded in death by his parents James Lovic and Effie Schell Allen, and by his brother Jimmy and his and Faye's infant daughter Sylvia Schell. Al and his wife had recently moved to Corvallis, OR to be closer to their son, Will. Al is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Alicia, and three grandchildren: Hollie, Shaylynn, and Philip. Surviving also are nieces and nephews: Suzy Allen of New Zealand, Fal Allen of California, and Janet Foster, Russ Wood, Robin Wood, and Rachel Wood all of Alabama. Graveside services will held on Saturday, July 1st at 10:00 a.m. at the Ebenezer Cemetery in pigeon Creek, AL. Visitation will be held Friday, June 30th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home in Greenville, AL. Gifts of flowers to honor the memories of Al would be very welcome as would contributions to Sardis Church in Pigeon Creek, AL, Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home, Greenville, AL, Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home Directing.