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Donald Allen Obituary
It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Gene Allen, 75, of Palm Springs, Calif., on December 24, 2013. Donald was born in Bedford, Ind., in 1938. Shortly after, his family moved to San Diego, Calif., where he grew up. In 1957, he graduated from Grossmont High School where he played football. In College, he received a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from San Diego State University, and later a Masters Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. In 1963, Donald married his next door neighbor and love of his life, Edith E. Pierce, who later taught at Cathedral City Elementary School. They celebrated their Golden Anniversary last year with family and friends. Donald served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He was awarded a diploma in Signal School, and was stationed in Germany. Donald's career as an educator began at Palm Springs High School in 1966. He then taught at Raymond Cree for 17 years. In 1983, he returned to Palm Springs High School where he taught math and science until he retired in 1999. Donald was a dedicated and beloved teacher. His students' successes were what mattered to him. Donald is survived by his wife, Edith, his two daughters, Dr. Shawn Allen of La Quinta, Calif., and Allison Gillespie and son-in-law, Damian Gillespie of La Quinta; and three grandsons, Tyler Brown, Christopher Donald Allen, and Ziggy Gillespie; and by numerous nieces and nephews and close friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Olive Allen Berger; his father, Bernard Allen; and his four siblings, Felix Allen, Dorothy Sweat, Charles Allen, and Betty Belvins. Donald will be missed by all who knew him, as he was kind, caring and respectful. He loved his family and always put everybody ahead of himself. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa and attended all his grandchildren's sports games. His passing leaves a sadness in our hearts. A celebration of life will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 69855 East Ramon Road, Cathedral City, Calif., on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Allen
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Marcella C. Gutierrez-Becerra
January 19, 2016
The sweetest man, dusted in chalk from head to toe... He tutored me through my math struggles and always had a beaming smile... RIP Mr Allan, and my deepest condolences to his family and friends... He will be missed...
Kevin Miller
November 21, 2014
It was with great sorrow that I read about Don's death. I was a friend of the Flourie's and the old college gang: Kiki, Melinda, both Jims, etc. But I lost touch with everyone when I moved east 35 years ago. I had had every intention of contacting Don when I moved back to CA last year. I am SO sorry I waited! Had I only known...
Margaret Genera
January 22, 2014
Dear Edith and family, so sorry to hear about Don. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care, Margaret and family
Dean Langley
January 10, 2014
I shall miss my friend. Don was the most caring and giving person that I have every known. I shall miss my friend.
Wendy Garcia
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences to his family. He was a great teacher and I am blessed to have had him as a teacher at PSHS.
Eve Fromberg
January 8, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Allen. He was by far the best math teacher I ever had. He was patient and passionate about teaching and shared his spark for mathematics with every student. I always struggled with math and dreaded it, but the two years I had him, math was actually fun and I grew to love it. What a great legacy he has left...I wish him peace and a big chalk board in heaven to keep sharing his gift...education has lost an amazing soul...
Eric and Gladys Portillo
January 7, 2014
Dear Edith, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious family. We have wonderful memories of our kind and gentle friend Don. We will miss him forever. May God bless you. With love, Eric and Gladys
Marissa Remiker (Portillo)
January 6, 2014
I am deeply saddened by your loss and share in your grief. I was so fortunate to have Mr Allen as a teacher. He was dedicated to making sure his students not only understand math but that they enjoy learning it. I feel so blessed to have had Don and Edith be such an important part of my life growing up. May you all take comfort in your wonderful memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
January 6, 2014
I Love You. The Best Grandpa Ever....Ziggy
Nancy Dunn
January 5, 2014
Dear Edith, Shawn, and Allison,
I have fond memories of Don, his easy-going nature and ever-present smile. He will be greatly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. Please accept my deep sympathy.
Carol Taian
January 5, 2014
Dear Edith and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Don passing. He can now be with our Creator- I pray for healing and
comfort to come to all of you. May God surround you all with his love and compassion.
With deepest sympathy.
Richard Tobiassen
January 5, 2014
Dear Edith, Shawn, and Allison, we are deeply saddened by the news of Don's passing. Don was a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Richard & Karen
Dianna Dress
January 4, 2014
Aunt Edith, Shawn and Allison you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Dianna
arthur scott
January 3, 2014
What a great man and teacher.I had him in the 70s he was always there to lend a helping hand for any student.he will be missed by many but the great memory of him will live forever
PATRICIA CRAINE
January 2, 2014
DEAR EDITH AND FAMILY...IT WAS WITH GREAT SADDNESS THAT I READ TODAY OF DONS PASSING. I REMEMBER HIM AS A KIND, WARM , CARING GENTLE MAN WITH A LOVE OF HIS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. A GIFTED TEACHER AND LEADER WITH COMPASSION FOR HIS STUDENTS AND FOR THEIR GROWTH AND LEARNING. MAY YOUR WARM AND BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES TOGETHER ..STAY WITH YOU ALL AND COMFORT YOU NOW AND IN THE DAYS TO COME. MAY GOD WRAP HIS BLANKET AROUND YOU....YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS..WARMLY..PATTI AND BUD CRAINE
Barbara & John Gast
January 2, 2014
Dear Edith and family,
We remember Don with a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts. Don was a wonderful and devoted teacher. He was always fun and entertaining. We had many interesting discussions over the years that we knew him. He will be missed! Our hearts are with you at this time.
January 2, 2014
Dr. Allen so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Most sincerely Cam and Nancy Gaudet
January 2, 2014
Deepest sympathies to the family. Prayers for your family, for God to heal your broken hearts.(1Peter 5:8)
Bill & Terri Dickneider
January 2, 2014
Our hearts go out to Edith and her family at this time of great loss and deep sorrow. The passing of Don, our generous, dear and long-time friend and neighbor, leaves a deep hole in our lives. We miss him and offer our condolences to the Allen family.
Renee Maler
January 1, 2014
It is with love and light we will always remember Don Allen, a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. Our hearts are with the Allen Family during this time.
Tiffany Silva
December 31, 2013
Edith and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man!
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