Anthony "Tony" Allen

A Life Remembered, A Legacy Cherished
Anthony "Tony" Allen, 87, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 6, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, to Louis Allen and Dortha (Shoptaugh) Allen. He graduated from North High School and married the love of his life, Marilyn, on October 11, 1958. Together, they built a life filled with faith, laughter, and adventure. Tony retired from Whirlpool Corporation in 1997 after 38 years of dedicated service. A true pioneer in his field, he taught college-level computer courses without having attended college himself, demonstrating his sharp intellect and passion for learning.
Throughout his life, Tony pursued a wide variety of interests. He enjoyed fishing and boating, creating stained-glass art, painting, photography and developing his own pictures, and experimenting in the kitchen-where his award-winning chili became a family favorite. He loved traveling with Marilyn, exploring new places together once their children were grown. Ever adventurous, he was always willing to try something new, whether it was snow skiing, yard darts, or rides at Six Flags.
Tony was a faithful Christian and longtime member of Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he served in many roles over the years including deacon, treasurer, board member, and usher. After retiring he and Marilyn moved to alma and joined the First Freewill Baptist Church in Alma, Arkansas. He also supported numerous charities, taught Junior Achievement, and was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Above all, Tony will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-a man who lived by his convictions and faith. He believed deeply that right is right and wrong is wrong, guided always by the Word of God. He could be serious when it mattered but also knew how to laugh, play, and make life joyful for those around him.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Allen, of the home; three children, Marilyn "Kaye" Robertson (Jimmy) of Arkansas, Leslie Barton (John) of Arkansas, and Anthony "Tony" Ross Allen; one sister, Gale Burns (Claude); grandchildren Jarrod (Amanda), James (Anna), Diane (Chris), Casilyn (Josiah), Brance, and Levi; and great-grandchildren William-Anthony, Hannah, Lilly, Gwyneth, Tristan, Judah, Felix, Theodore, Valor, Myla, and Destinie. He is also survived by nephews Fr. Claude Dusty Burns and Matthew Burns (Jackie), great nieces and nephews Toby, Callie, Isabella, and Nate. He was preceded in death by his daughter Laura S. Hood, grandson Ty Hood, father Louis P. Allen, mother Dortha M. (Shoptaugh) Kennedy, and grandmother Lola L. Gross-Hartley.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at River Glenn with Rev. Jared Links officiating, Leslie Barton will bring the Eulogy, and Jarrod McCauley will be reading the obituary. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of River Glenn. Pallbearers will be Jarrod McCauley, James McCauley, Will McCauley, Diane Broyles, Chris Broyles, and Brance Bess. Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Bess and Destinie McCauley.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at River Glenn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Tony's honor. Tony's life was a reflection of faith, family, and steadfast love-an example to all who knew him. The service will be live streamed on the River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services Facebook page at the start of the service.