William Robert Allen

Funeral services for William Robert Allen, 84, of Lufkin, will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Keith Castleberry and Reverend Josh Reneau officiating. Entombment with Masonic rites will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, Last Supper Mausoleum, under the auspices of Lufkin Masonic Lodge #669, A.F. & A.M. On June 6, 1932 in a log cabin deep in the heart of Allentown, Texas, a legend, a defender of democracy, family, and prized pet chickens was born. Though the man, William Robert Allen, died on April 6, 2017 in Lufkin, Texas, his legendary status lives on. Preceded in death by his parents, Hiram Andrew Allen and Mamie Brandon Allen; his sisters, Mildred Allen Walker, Doris Allen Dickinson, Virginia Allen Crippen, and Rachel Allen Hand; his son, Robert Louis Allen; his son-in-law, Jack Otto “Butch” McMullen; his daughter, Sheila Dale McMullen; and most recently his wife, Nelda Jean Allen, Robert Allen learned to cherish his loved ones and appreciate each chance for adventure. Upholding Robert Allen’s epic legacy falls to his progeny: daughter and son-in-law, Vennessa and John Childerss; daughter-in-law, Gloria Allen King; grandchildren, Keith and Melissa Castleberry, Bill and Heather Strawn, Andrew and Meredith Smith, Lindsey Childerss, and Jace Childerss; great grandchildren, Nick and Lacie Followwell, Ethan and Olivia Castleberry, Grant and Camille Fenner, and Wesley Strawn; great-great grandchildren, Ellis Followwell and Laney Castleberry; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In the tradition of ancient epic heroes like Odysseus and Beowulf, tales of Robert Allen’s glorious life quest are heralded today. Robert developed a wanderlust for travel as a young man when he rode a wagon to “Spit and Whittle” with Papa Brandon to sell watermelons. As an adult, his career as an overseas pipeline welder included expeditions to South America, the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, and multiple regions of the Middle East. Working on pipelines across the globe, Robert’s impeccable work ethic and reputation for perfection won him the title of “Trenchbox Hero,” a name of respect in the welding community. Folklore of Robert Allen’s feats are not limited to his work domain, however. As a husband, father, and grandfather, Robert sought to make every family event monumental. Birthdays and holidays were celebrated with generosity and passion. Among family, he was known as a fierce competitor. Whether competing in the Easter egg and basket decorating contest or challenging Lindsey, his 12 year old granddaughter, to a foot race, Robert played to win. As a gift-giver, Robert (known as Papa to his grandchildren) spared no expense to show his affection though sometimes his gifts acted as a Trojan Horse, a trap intended to entertain. In his famous “switch” prank, six-year-old granddaughter Heather opened the largest present under the tree with much excitement only to find a bundle of bow-adorned “switches.” The fit of fury that led to the switches being flung into the fireplace, and then the raging child’s subsequent discovery of the actual gift, a Barbie remote control car, has oft been recounted among the Allen clan. Robert continued his wily ways on family fishing trips when he buried a small snapping turtle beneath stink bait and then asked grandson Jace to grab a handful of bait. Jace’s dramatic reaction was Jace’s gift to Papa. Papa’s pleasant, lively personality made him a favorite companion. When spending time with Papa, it was customary to sing songs like “You Get a Line, and I’ll Get a Pole, Honey” or “There’s a Hole, There’s a Hole, There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.” Hobbies like fishing or hunting were primarily avenues for him to express his true talent, storytelling. Papa could mesmerize a room by detailing his most cherished memories: how while fishing on a particularly sweltering Texas day, four-year-old Meredith asked Papa to “Please, turn on the air conditioner,” or how he was the catcher for Central High School’s first baseball team, or how when he finally moved back home to Allentown, he planted a patch of watermelons and then invited his childhood friends to steal them. Though the man, William Robert Allen, has ended his last story, his honorable deeds and repute as a provider, protector, and peacemaker live on with each memory shared. Pallbearers will be Gary Dickinson, Kevin Dickinson, David McNeese, Andrew Smith, Wesley Strawn, Bill Strawn, Jace Childerss, and Ethan Castleberry. Honorary pallbearers are PeeWee Havard, Danny Dickinson, and Darrell Hartfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 10900-B Stonelake Blvd., Suite 320, Austin, Texas 78759, or to the American Diabetes Association, Houston Office, 2400 Augusta Dr., Suite 175, Houston, Texas 77057. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors