David Joseph Allen

David Joseph Allen was born on September 15, 1960 in Coos Bay, Oregon but was raised from age three in LaGrande, Oregon.
David retired from the National Guard after twenty years of service as a Combat Engineer in Idaho and Army Aviation Fueler and Crew Chief in Colorado. Neither his passion for helicopters nor love of country ever faded.
David met the love of his life, Cheryl Bellamy, while at BYU-Idaho. They were married for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Temple on May 1, 1986. They have two daughters, Samantha (36) and Alethea (34), and a son, Stephen (31). He was so very proud of his children, as anyone who met him could attest to.
He earned two associate degrees from BYU-Idaho, a Bachelor's in Technical & Industrial Administration from Metro State in Colorado, and a Master of Public Administration from University of Colorado-Denver. He accomplished this while also working full-time, raising a family, and serving in his church.
David worked for Denver Water for twenty-one years mainly in analyst positions. He also worked for Kohler as a Senior Sales Engineer and at South Florida Water Management for a time. He was a nationally recognized water conservation expert. He came to serve as the Public Works Director in the City of Okeechobee in 2012, where ironically his main concern with water was getting rid of it. He loved his city family and always had special concern for "his guys".
He was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a full-time mission in Sydney, Australia. Over his lifetime David served in many leadership positions, including presiding over the Okeechobee Branch for nearly six years. His heart was always inclined to serving the youth. He especially loved the time he was able to serve as an ordinance worker in the Orlando, Florida temple.
He most loved spending time with Cheryl and his children, no matter the activity. He loved music, including the sound of wind in the aspens in Colorado or the sound of the ocean. He loved movies and reading. Most often you could find David working on some home improvement project for his family or others. He always went on hurricane cleanup projects and said it was his favorite way to minister. He loved woodworking in his shop, particularly turning pens he could gift to others and was learning to turn bowls and vases.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margret Allen; his infant brother, Richard; his father-in-law, "Dad" Richard Bellamy; and beloved uncle, Roy.
He is survived by his spouse, Cheryl Bellamy-Allen; children, Samantha, Alethea, and Stephen; brother, Brian Allen (Deb); sister, Caroline Allen; mother-in-law, "Mom" Linda Bellamy; brothers-in-law, Richard (Shauna) and Marcus (Stefanie); and sister-in-law, Shauna (Kyle).
A memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00. A public, closed casket viewing will be held at 10:00.
In celebrating David's life, let us remember his kindness, his commitment to his Savior, his dedication, love, and service to family, and his significant contributions to the community. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Our Village Okeechobee or The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints the Humanitarian services.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.