Thomas Eugene Allen

Thomas "Tom" Allen died December 3rd, 2025, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Thomas Eugene Allen was born July 1, 1948, the third son of Gretchen Lehmann Allen and Eugene Donald Allen. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, William, and is survived by his brother, Robert. Tom was born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1966.

Thomas Eugene Allen was born July 1, 1948, the third son of Gretchen Lehmann Allen and Eugene Donald Allen. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, William, and is survived by his brother, Robert. Tom was born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1966.

He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, magna cum laude, in 1970, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering in 1972. Tom remained a lifelong supporter of the University of Michigan. He faithfully rooted for the Wolverines, regularly donated to the University of Michigan Scholarship Fund, and conducted interviews for undergraduate candidates to the engineering school.

Tom enjoyed a distinguished career as an engineer with a specialized focus in optical metrology. As an undergraduate, he interned with NASA, working with the Apollo group that processed radar data from the Lunar Module. After completing his master's degree, he worked for several years at General Motors before joining the Ford Scientific Research Laboratory, where he spent the majority of his career. While at Ford, he received the Henry Ford Technology Award, the company's highest engineering honor.

In retirement, Tom continued to share his talents and passions with his community. He frequently gave and organized technology talks at local libraries and served as Chairman of the Birmingham Senior Men's Club Computer Group. For many years, he was a member of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, reviewing grant applications for the State of Michigan. He also served on the Royal Oak Citizens Traffic Committee.

Music was a lifelong joy for Tom. As a child, he sang in church choirs, and in college he took classical guitar lessons. His love of singing and guitar never waned. He especially enjoyed traditional folk music and contradance, frequently participating as both a guitarist and a caller. He was a founding member of the Oakland County Traditional Dance Society (OCTDS), co-founding it in 1991; it remains an active and vibrant community today. He played guitar for the Paint Creek Folklore Society and the Royal Oak Church of the Holy City with his friend, Jenni Burke, on violin, for several decades. He sang in several church choirs, including the St. Joseph Oratory Cantatio Men's Chorus, the Madison Chorale, and Langsford Men's Chorus, and especially enjoyed singing Latin Masses. As a cancer survivor, Tom was a member of Gilda's Club; he would bring his guitar to their monthly potluck and perform "This Little Light of Mine." In the summers, he played at farmers markets throughout the greater Detroit area. In the winter, he played to raise money for the Salvation Army. Through his music, Tom formed a wide and cherished circle of friends.

Tom remained deeply devoted to his family throughout his life. He made a point to stay connected with his extended family, sharing countless special moments with family during visits, holidays, and Christmas Eve gatherings. He took great pride in his family members' lives and accomplishments. He encouraged his niece, nephews, and cousins in their musical pursuits and enjoyed sharing musical experiences with them. He would fondly reminisce about summers spent at his grandmother's lake house on Lake Fenton, where he enjoyed time by the water with cousins and friends. He was the keeper of many cherished family stories. He dearly loved his cat, Arni, whom he adopted in 2019, and was always quick to share funny and sweet anecdotes about him.

We lovingly remember those who preceded Tom in death: his parents, Gretchen and Eugene; his brother William; his cousins William Lehmann and Jim Marcus. He is lovingly remembered by family who survived him: his brother Robert, sister-in-law Thea Werner, niece Amy Werner-Allen, nephews Jonathan Werner-Allen and Geoffrey Challen; five great-nieces; cousins Jan Carey, Peggy Johnson, Judy Johnson, and Nancy Burgess.

His life was a blessing and his memory will be cherished.

Memorial visitation for Tom will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 a.m., until time of service, 11:00 a.m., at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oakland County Traditional Dance Society (OCTDS): https://www.octds.org/donate