Donald Allen

With his kind and generous heart, Donald Allen was a man who would do anything for anyone. He was never one to whittle away his days, rather he lived each day to its fullest in a variety of ways. For this reason, Don was a man whom everyone wanted to be around since so often this zest for life is hard to come by, and in some ways it was contagious. Don was a hard working man, but he was a true outdoorsman too as his retirement years often found him hunting, fishing, or just enjoying time at his cabin. As much as he loved the outdoors, his greatest love was always reserved for his family.

The year 1928 was a transformational year in America in numerous ways. Walt Disney released the first animated cartoon to use sound, Al Capone was picked up by Philadelphia police as he came out of a movie theatre, and Amelia Earhart left Boston with two passengers in her airplane. It was also during this same year that in Maple Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Dee and Mary Allen were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Donald, on May 5th. Don had an older sister and a younger one too, and he easily made friends. He was often found helping others – a trait that would remain with him throughout his entire life. In fact there were many things about Don that were established during his younger years that were always just a part of who he was. He was adventurous, was always outside, and loved to fish. Don also enjoyed ice skating on the Maple River - sometimes he and his friends would even skate up the river to Bridgeville. He spent a lot of time at Wheeler Wilson’s house because his mother was a good cook. Don attended Maple Rapids High School where he played basketball and baseball, but his school burned down during his junior year so he completed high school at a school in Hubbardston.

After high school Don managed the airport in Maple Rapids, and he had earned his own pilot’s license when he was just 16 years old. It was also during this time that Don met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Nancy Warren and they were pulling a Halloween prank together – tipping over an outhouse at a local church. It was then that he thought Nancy was the girl for him. Soon he began picking Nancy up in his own airplane and the two would fly around a bit before going home. The pair also enjoyed picnicking and doing “dawn patrols” in which they would fly to various restaurants to eat breakfast with other pilots.

Don joined the Air Force in 1948 and served until 1952. While in the service he married his sweetheart in 1951, and they lived on the Air Force Base in Mountain Home, Idaho. It wasn’t long before they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Brenda, who was born on base in 1952. Their son Mark was born in St. Johns, Michigan in 1954 and with their son Stephen’s birth in 1964, their family was complete. Don supported his family by working his family farm in Maple Rapids where they grew corn, soybeans, and had some cows from 1953 until 1974. In 1974 Don found work in Alaska with Arctic Constructors, Inc. until he took another job on the north slope of Alaska where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the oil fields. While he was working the pipeline, Don would be in Alaska for about nine weeks, and then have two weeks off to return home to see his family before returning to Alaska once again. He continued to work in Alaska until he retired in 1996 at the age of 70.

There were numerous ways in which Don enjoyed spending his leisure time. He and Nancy liked riding motorcycles together, and Don had surprised Nancy with her first motorcycle when she was 39. They even began to ride in enduro races together. Retirement allowed Don more time to spend doing many of the things he loved including spending time at his cabin in Frederic that had once belonged to his parents where he loved fishing and hunting. Don also liked scuba diving, and he and Nancy owned a motor home in which they enjoyed traveling to Florida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and at Holland Lake just north of Stanton. Don and Nancy were thrilled to be able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii.

One of the things that made Don so unique and loved by so many was his generous heart and compassionate spirit. He was always plowing out his neighbors after a big snow. In fact he would do anything for anyone if there was a way he could help. At Christmastime Don even played Santa at the local school. He was also a member of Maple Rapids United Methodist Church where he was a choir member and also served in several different positions over the years.

In November of 2007, Don was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. This harsh treatment took a toll on Don’s heart, and he drew his last breath surrounded by his loving family.

Whether he was ice diving in Lake Michigan, headed out on the open road with the wind whipping all around him, or enjoying the feeling of a fishing rod in his hand, Donald Allen loved life, and lived to love others. He was a remarkable man of great character who worked hard and played hard too. Don was blessed to share more than 55 years of his life with his true love with whom he built a family they both cherished. Even as his health challenged him, Don kept looking forward while continuing to embrace each moment. In so many ways, he touched the lives of others whether in ways great or small. Although his loved ones will miss him dearly, they now hold fast to their memories of Don that will live on in their hearts and lives.

Donald D. Allen died Friday, October 9, 2009. Don’s family includes his wife Nancy; his children, Brenda (Frank) Maniaci of St. Johns, Mark (Sue) Allen of Maple Rapids, Stephen (Robyn) Allen of Vanderbilt, MI; grandchildren, Amber (Corey) Wells, Justin (Missy) Simmons, Jessie Allen, Zack (Corrine) Allen, and Jozie Allen; and several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Dee and Mary Allen; and sisters, Dorothy Meier and Virginia Allen. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Maple Rapids United Methodist Church with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. Burial will follow at Sowle Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Monday at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Maple Rapids and one hour prior to service time at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, 330 S. Maple St., Maple Rapids, MI 48853 or Sparrow Hospice Services, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48915.

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