Mark G. "Tiny" Allen

Mark "Tiny" G. Allen, 61, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. After a long and courageous battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia, he fought until he could no longer continue. Tiny was born on Oct. 31, 1963, in Meadville, Pa. He was the son of Arthur Allen Sr. and Carol Allen of Venango, Pa., and he took great pride in being a "Halloween baby," later sharing his birthday with a granddaughter in 2008. He was raised in Venango.
Tiny moved to Idaho in 1983, hitching a ride with a friend heading west. He ended up in Grangeville, where he began working for Hillcrest Farms. He held various jobs in Grangeville, Riggins, Nezperce, Kamiah, Lewiston, and finally Central Ferry. Some of the companies he worked for included Richardson Trucking, Selway Transportation, Red Label, McCroskey Trucking, Snoline Express, Highland Enterprise, Star Cedar and Helena Chemical. He loved long-haul driving and exploring the country, having traveled through many states. His last job was with Helena Chemical at Central Ferry, where he cherished his big red semitruck.
Tiny married Terri Wessels in September 1988, and they had four children together: Sandra, Neil, and twins Felicia and Dustin. Terri and Tiny later divorced. Tiny had numerous friends across the states and was never shy about striking up a conversation with someone next to him at the bar or picking up the mic to chat. He was well known by the name Tiny.
Sandra has a few special memories from her childhood. Dad (Tiny) dressed up as Santa Claus for the community, and she recalls a time when he drove a water truck in Grangeville, picking her up at home to ride along. She will never forget how proud he was when she asked many questions about how it worked; the smile on his face was priceless. Another memory is when he called her, excited about getting a new red Peterbilt to drive for Helena Chemical, eager for her to see "his big red truck."
Felicia's favorite memory of Dad (Tiny) was when he drove the "ice cream truck." During a long haul, he ended up with too much ice cream and brought it all home, filling their entire freezer. The kids were in heaven.
Dustin fondly remembers how Dad (Tiny) went to work, regardless if he was feeling unwell or not. He exemplified what "true work ethic" meant. Dad (Tiny) constantly had an engaging story to share and knew how to bring a smile to your face.
Christian (oldest grandson) remembers when Papa Mark (Tiny) gave him a bunch of hot chocolate, making him hyper, before sending him home. He also cherished the sweet rolls (cinnamon rolls) they shared, heated up with butter on top, saying things will never be the same without him.
Tiny was preceded in death by his son Neil Allen, his father Arthur Allen Sr., his mother Carol Allen, brother Arthur Allen Jr., sister Karen Allen, along with his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his daughters Sandra (Bobby) Coleman of Kendrick, Felicia Morgan of Lewiston, Dustin Allen of Clarkston, and his sister Rebecca Hogan of Asheboro, N.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren Christian, Camron, Veronica, Alexzandra, Juliana, Johnathan, Keeley, Naomi, Warren, Alexzandr, Emylee, Ronald, Xaviar and Kaspian.
We are organizing a gathering with friends to reminisce about good times with Mark "Tiny" at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Alibi, 1702 Main St., Lewiston.
The memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the VFW Hall, 1109 Warner Ave., Lewiston. There will be hors d'oeuvres available afterward, and please bring a drink of your choice.