Elmer Ray Allen

Elmer Ray Allen, age 80 of Cleveland, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015. He was born on Monday, September 10, 1934 to parents, Virgil Allen and Hettie Campbell, who preceded him in death along with his twin sister, Elna Mae Allen and brother, Kenneth Allen.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Claudette Allen; son William Allen and wife Leah of Katy, daughters Debbie Murray and husband Bob of Texarkana, and Mary Allen of Cleveland; grandchildren Kayla Wood and husband Jeffrey, Lauren Cox and husband Jordan, and Blake Murray and wife Rebecca all of Texarkana; Mannie Balladares, Breana Balladares, Mary Allen, and Abby Allen all of Katy; great-grandchildren Cooper, Jase, and Miller; granddog Sophie; special friends at Allcryo; numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to Tri-Care Hospice and Jamie Sweeten.

Elmer was a real cowboy working on Dunham Ranch in Romayor in the 1950's. He later served his country in the U.S. Navy, stationed on the U.S.S. Newell which chased and destroyed Vietcong gunrunners in Vietnam. He was a master piddler who could always find something to do. He was a handyman who could fix almost anything, including a broken heart. He enjoyed playing the banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, steel guitar, ukulele, and most any stringed instrument. He especially loved the blue-grass style of music. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an old-fashioned revival at Dolen Baptist Church. He was an active member and deacon of Amazing Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Texas. He worked as a Cryogenist for 50 years, although he tried to retire many times. He was a sweet daddy and paw-paw and will be greatly missed.

Brother Melvin Holifield and Brother Tim Holder presided over the memorial service held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 4:00p.m. at Pace Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas.