Clayton "Marion" Allen

Clayton "Marion" Allen, 83, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home, Vanceboro, NC on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2PM with Pastor Connie Stutts officiating. There will be a graveside service following at Celestial Memorial Gardens.

Born on June 24, 1942 to Clayton Edward Allen and Eula Hines Allen, he grew up in Plymouth, NC and graduated high school from Plymouth High School. Early in life, he grew up playing many sports including football and baseball. He was also involved in Sea Scouts where he developed a love for boating and fishing. His fondness of the water and outdoors continued throughout his life and has since been passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also loved hunting and shooting sporting clays, which became a favorite family tradition in recent years. He proudly held the titles "Dad" and "Papa" and looked forward to bear hugs from his grandchildren.

Marion was a devoted husband to his late wife, Barbara Lynn. Together, they shared a love for shagging to beach music. They always knew how to draw a crowd with their dancing. They spent much time together and with family on vacation at Ocracoke and at their river home in Aurora, NC where many competitive card games took place. He also enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dog, Snuffy, whom he taught to perform numerous tricks for the family to enjoy at family gatherings.

Marion has always been a devoted Christian. He faithfully served many roles within the church over the years. He shared his love for singing and music every Sunday as a member of, and directing the choir. He also shared his love for Christ with youth members of the church as a Sunday school teacher and by coordinating outdoor activities for the youth group. He was an active member of Beech Grove Methodist Church.

He dedicated more than 40 years of hard work at Weyerhaeuser where he primarily worked as superintendent of the wood yard. There, he developed many lifelong friendships that he continued even after retirement.

Marion was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Lynn Allen; son Marion Allen; parents Clayton Edward Allen and Eula Hines Allen; and sisters Joice Mueller and Jean Chesson.

He leaves behind sons Clay Allen and wife Hye Yong, Ken Allen and wife Lisa, and Jeff Gaskins and wife Lisa; grandchildren Josh Allen, Kaitlyn Carnwath and husband Ryan, Bryan Allen and wife Kaylie, Brandon Allen, Laura Gates and husband Adam, and Grace Allen; great-grandchildren Malachi Allen, Archer Carnwath, Kade Allen, Henley Carnwath, and Remington Allen.

Marion gave generously to many charitable organizations over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Beech Grove Methodist Church or an organization of your choosing. The family is sincerely grateful for the wonderful medical care that Marion received over the years as well as the compassionate care he received by the hospice team in his final days.