Kenneth Linn Allen of Canyon Lake, Texas passed away on Wednesday, 5 April 2017. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Phyllis Jenell Mapes Allen; his parents Horace Donovan Allen and Virginia Bess Woodson; his youngest son, John Andrew Allen; his brother, Robert Allen; and his sister, Jodi Cornwall. He is survived by his three oldest children: Ruth Anne Allen Freeman (Frank - Canyon Lake TX), William Donovan Allen (Linda - Lake Oswego OR), and Kenneth David Allen (Scott - Washington DC). He is also survived by nine grandchildren (Tiffany Freeman Brown, Elizabeth Freeman Harrison, Catherine Freeman Packer, Kenneth Freeman, Matthew Freeman, Mark Freeman, Lisa Allen Larson, Michael Allen, and Tommy Allen) and twenty-three great grandchildren.
Ken was born on 21 April 1936 in Los Angeles, California. His father died when Kenneth was six years old and he was then raised primarily by his paternal grandparents Chester (Chessie) Cleveland Allen and Rosina (Mother Rose) Katharina Blattert Allen on their chicken ranch/orange grove operation in the San Fernando Valley. Ken enlisted in the US Army shortly after finishing high school and married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Jenell Mapes on 26 March 1955 in San Fernando, CA. After military service, he completed a BS degree from Cal State-Northridge and then spent his early career at Standard Oil of California (Chevron). The majority of his professional career was at CALTRANS (State of California Transportation Department) working in various human resource leadership roles.
Ken was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from his early adulthood. In retirement, Ken and Phyllis served a mission for the church in Nicaragua. After the death of Phyllis Janell (2008), Ken served another church mission in South Texas with his 2nd wife, Phyllis Jean Stanfield (deceased Oct 2016).
Upon the death of Phillis Jean, Ken moved from McMinnville, Oregon to Canyon Lake, Texas (December 2016) to live on "the ranch" with his oldest child, Ruth Anne. He was able to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Texas Hill country as he dealt with health challenges that would ultimately end his life.
Ken considered his greatest accomplishments as his family and service to others through the church. He served wherever asked and particularly enjoyed working on the building committee responsible for construction and dedication services associated with the San Diego California LDS Temple. He treasured his service as an ordinance worker in the San Diego CA, Oakland CA, and Portland OR LDS Temples.
Ken loved to golf with friends as well as spend time anywhere along the Pacific coast. He was "Papa Allen" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be buried in the Davis California Municipal Cemetery beside his beloved Phyllis Jenell and his youngest son John Andrew. A graveside service for family and friends will be held in Davis, California at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 15.
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Graveside
Saturday, April 15, 2017
10:30 AM
Davis Cemetery
820 Pole Line Road
Davis, CA 95618