John Willison Allen M.D.

1929 - 2022

John Willison Allen, M.D.
October 9, 1929 - April 5, 2022
La Quinta, California - Dr. John Willison Allen, of La Quinta, California passed away peacefully at the age of 92 early on April 5, 2022. Known as "Will" to his friends and family, he was a highly intelligent and gentle man who was full of knowledge. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Will graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1947. He received his AB from Stanford University in 1951 and his MD from the University of California, San Francisco in 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1955 until 1963, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of major. While an obstetrician in the Army, Will delivered the 19th child of the Beardsley family, made famous in the movie and book Yours, Mine and Ours.
Will delivered thousands of babies while in solo practice of medicine as an OB/GYN in Sacramento, California from 1963 until his retirement in 2000. When he wasn't racing to the hospital in his beloved 1965 Porsche 365C to deliver a baby, he was often found enjoying a round of golf with friends at Del Paso Country Club. He also loved Krispy Kreme donuts and carefully rationed one daily from his stash in the freezer
Will and Marlys, his wonderful wife of 38 years, relocated to La Quinta in 2000 where they both enjoyed chasing that little white golf ball. Reflecting his love of golf, he was an original member of PGA West, and had been a member of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Del Paso Country Club and an original member of The Plantation Golf Club.
Will is survived by his wife Marlys, his sister Susan Stefanek and her family, his two children Kathleen Allen Luke (husband John Luke) and Dr. Hugh Allen (wife Dr. Julie Gralow), his grandchildren Lindsay Gates (husband Scott Gates), Betsy Luke and Johnny Luke (fiancée Caroline Smith), his great-granddaughter Grace Gates, and his puppies Charlotte and Gigi. A family memorial will be held at a later date.