Robert Howard Allen

Robert was born February 7, 1949, in Carroll County Tennessee. His parents divorced before his birth, and he was raised by a group of elderly relatives. His blind Aunt Ida regaled him with stories of the past and launched his insatiable quest for learning. Robert taught himself to read by age 12, reading the Bible to his aunt nightly, rooting his faith in Christianity. He worked as an upholsterer until the recession of the early 1980's, prompting him to pursue his first formal education at age 32. After easily passing his high school equivalency exams, Robert applied to Bethel College, a small Presbyterian school near his home in western Tennessee. He graduated with a bachelor's degree three years later summa cum laude. He earned a Presidential Scholarship to pursue a masters in creative writing at Vanderbilt University (1984), ultimately earning a Ph.D in Modernism in English Literature (1991). Dr. Allen returned to Bethel College as an English professor before moving on to teach at Murray State University, University of Tennessee-Martin, and ending his teaching career at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, where he taught for more than 17 years, until the college closed in 2019. He was a frequent lecturer throughout the southeast. Though he never married, Robert was in love with life and learning. He was prolific writer of poems, plays, and several books. He received the Sequoya medal from the Tennessee History Society in 1996. He enjoyed both old time hymns and classical music, especially Bach and Mozart. He also enjoyed playing chess and was a member of the Paranormal Society. Robert was instrumental in founding the free Tuesday night suppers in Madisonville. He volunteered at the Monroe County Good Shepherd Center and the Hiwassee archives. For many years he attended Madisonville Presbyterian church before transferring his membership to First Presbyterian, Sweetwater, where he regularly attended worship, Sunday school, and Wednesday night Bible study – not to mention church fellowship meals! Those around him were always amazed by his vast knowledge, quick wit and dry sense of humor. He leaves no known survivors. Robert, blessed by many, will be missed particularly for his personal code: "I choose love over gain." A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 16, at 3:00 P.M., at Biereley-Hale Chapel. Rev. Dr. Keith Wheeler will officiate. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.