Jack Russell Allerton

AllertonJack Russell Allerton, age 91, of Columbus, OH, died of natural causes on December 25, 2016. Born September 4, 1925 in West Jefferson, OH. Preceded in death by his parents Herbert and America Allerton, his brother-in-law Frank Cox and son-in-law Tony Valentino. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Pat; his daughters, Debi Valentino and Donna Jo Anglin (Gerry); granddaughter, Tiffany Valentino-Rigsby, her husband, Tim Rigsby and their children, Joseph, David and Tyler; grandson, Greg Valentino, his wife Jodie and their children, Gabriella and Rocky; his sisters, Donna Ater and Phyllis Cox; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and good friends. Jack joined the United States Army Air Corps shortly after turning 17. As an Aerial Gunner's Assistant in the 303 Bomb Group/359 Bomb Squadron he flew 28 missions, being shot down on the 29th and taken as a prisoner of war. He was part of the Black Hunger March where freed US POWs walked 600 miles from Poland to Germany in 82 days. When he returned home he only weighed 82 pounds and could not even order alcohol since he was not yet 21 years of age. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant; he earned the Victory Medal, the Air Medal with two Bronze Clusters, the American Theater European African Middle East Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars for Good Conduct and the Purple Heart. Jack was a lifelong member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Ohio Chapter #1. He was a dedicated Noble of the Mystic Shrine for Fifty Years and member of the Aladdin Shriners, Columbus, OH. He also was a member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio for more than 50 years. Jack also participated in the National POW Recognition Day here in Columbus with Mayor Rinehart in 1984. Following the war, Jack attended Ohio University on the GI Bill. He worked as the personnel manager at David Davies for 20 years, then retired from the Chemical Abstracts Society after 19 years. Jack and Pat had a second residence in Fairfield Glade, TN. As members of three different country clubs they kept busy planning community dances, fund raisers, and playing golf. At times Jack participated in three different golf leagues a week. In his 80's he hit two Holes-In-One that were certified by the National Hole-In-One Society. Having visited Europe five times and almost all of the 50 states Jack and Pat were blessed to have experienced so much of the world and had no intention of stopping. He, along with his family were members of St. Timothy Catholic Church for more than 50 years even though Jack was not confirmed into the Catholic faith until 25 years ago. Family will receive guests on Thursday, December 29 from 5-8 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 30 at 11 a.m. at St.Timothy Catholic Church, with celebrant, Fr. Timothy Hayes. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Private family burial. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.