Robert R. Allen

1937 - 2017

HAVELOCK, NC - Robert R (Buck) Allen, Major USMC Ret., 80, of Havelock, died peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at home, after an extended illness, surrounded by family members.
Major Allen spent 22 years in the Marine Corps, a veteran of the Vietnam conflict. As a pilot, he flew many models, the C-130 being the most loved. Many duty stations were seen throughout his career, the most interesting by far being two tours on the continent of Antarctica. His last post was Commanding Officer of the Wing Equipment and Repair Squadron (WERS)-27 at Cherry Point. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University, he started and ran the Craven Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) for 15 years. He loved all things transportation and was a long time member of the Hancock Yacht Club, the Coastal Carolina Garden Railroad Society, and the North Carolina Garden Railroad Society. He maintained his contact with the military through the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
He was preceded in death by Myrtle Allen and Helen and Fred Cheek, all of Rhode Island, and one great granddaughter, Annette Wilson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Louise Allen of the home; sons, Robert R Allen, Jr (Kil Cha) of Havelock and Frank L Allen of Grayson, GA; daughters, Nina A Wood (Robert) of Maui, HI and North East, MD and Denise A Wilson (Henry "Bud") of Henderson, NC; grandchildren, Kyle Allen, Marie Wilson, Kenny Allen, Chris Allen, Jay Wilson, and Jennifer Parker; great-grandchildren Devon Allen and Ava Allen; and many family and dear friends including Ted Goetz.
Visitation and military honors will be Saturday, August 19, 2017, 11 a.m., at Cotten Funeral Home, New Bern, NC. Visitors will also be accepted in the home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Buck's memory to MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), Scholarship Fund, PO Box 373, Havelock, NC 28532-0373; Continuum Home Care & Hospice, 1505 S Glenburnie Rd, Ste M, New Bern, NC 28562; or the PBS station of your choice.