DONALD ALLEN

     Donald Keith Allen passed away August 28, 2018 at the age of 90 in Tulsa, OK.  He was born September 4, 1927 to Daniel & Coletta (Durr) Allen in Minnewaukan, ND.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  his wife of  55 years, Mildred Kathleen Nichols Allen; his brothers Virgil & Eugene; his son Joseph Donald.

          He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Christy Allen Bennett and son in law Joe Bennett; grandson, Justin Allen Bennett and granddaughter, Brooke Bennett Peaker.  He has five great grandsons, Trey Peaker, Jace Bennett, James Peaker, Porter Bennett & Baker Bennett all of Tulsa.  He is also survived by his fiancé  Leta Faye Wann.

          At the age of 15, Don joined the Navy and served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre.  He was honorably discharged.  He met and married the love of his life, Millie in Los Angeles, CA.  Don worked at the Holton Motor Company in Poteau before opening Don Allen’s Garage and then later Don Allen’s Machine Shop.  He was retired but loved working on motors and transmissions.  Don and Millie and all of their friends loved to dance.  They were a joy to watch in true ballroom style.  Don loved flying airplanes.  Don, Jim Mixon & Lawrence Dickerson were pilot friends in the 1960’s.  They built the second structure at the Poteau Airport and were in the skies as much as possible.

          Few people are lucky enough to have true love twice in their lives.  He and Leta cherished their time together.  They went on cruises and traveled extensively with the Carl Albert State College Senior Group until he suffered a stroke three years ago.  He moved to Tulsa in July to be closer to family.

          He was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  He also loved attending senior activities with Leta at First Baptist Church in Poteau.

          He was an outstanding man who believed that honesty and integrity were the most important virtues.  He was the most wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather in the world.  He will be truly missed. 

          In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Autism Speaks (act.autismspeaks.org) or Susan B. Komen For the Cure.

          Services will be 10 am, Monday, September 3, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Poteau with Father Jim Caldwell officiating.  The Rosary will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau.

          Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.