Donald Ray Allen

Donald Ray Allen, age 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and two daughters on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Porter, Texas

Don was born at home on August 20, 1939 in small town Marquez, Texas to parents Aubrey Talmage, "A.T." Allen and Hannah Marie Clute.

After graduating from Reagan High School in 1957, Don joined the Marine Corp. Don served one year of active duty achieving the rank of Lance Corporal before moving to the reserves so he could attend college. Don graduated in 1964 from Sam Houston State Teacher's College with degrees in Art and English.

Don worked a number of jobs through his career. Unloading box cars, working in the map department with Humble Oil, selling insurance with Prudential, pastoring a small church in Splendora, and finally teaching Art education for more than 30 years. Don was also chess club sponsor who went on to send a number of students to state chess tournaments.

In the summer of 1968, Don was introduced to the girl across the street, Theresa, by his mother. Within six months, Don and Theresa had married. Married for 55 years, they had two daughters, Wendy Rae and Lisa Kay Allen. Wendy and her husband Sam Sharp have three children, Preston Allen, Hannah Mary, and Lillie Mae. Lisa had Bethany Corinne who is married to Matthew Jones.

Don's hobbies included running, chess, reading, telling stories of when he was in the Marine's, art of all kinds, and living out Jesus to the world. Don was a strong Christian and left a legacy of loving Jesus and sharing the saving grace of God to anyone who would listen.

Don was preceded in death by his parents A.T. and Hannah, sister Billie Francis Bonario and brother in law Roy Bonario.

Don leaves a legacy of faith and love beyond measure. The memories will last until we see him again. As his daughters grew up he would always leave them with these three parting phrases "Remember the top of the mayonnaise jar - Keep cool but don't freeze." "Look both ways before crossing the street" and finally, "Remember, You're a King's Kid"

A celebration of life memorial will be held for Don Allen on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Porter First Baptist at 11:00 a.m. Finger foods and an opportunity to share stories and remember Don and his life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to missions in your church or Preston Sharp's mission as he carries the gospel to the northwest. Redemptioncorvallis.org - give to general fund and use Preston Sharp in memo line.