Obituary of Thomas Russel Allen

Thomas R. Allen, Sr., 80, of Dowagiac, formerly of Roseland, Indiana, passed away at his residence on Thursday, May 18, 2017, peacefully of natural causes. He was born on April 16, 1937 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Russel R. and Bernice (Deal) Allen. On June 28, 1958 he married Barbara K. Wilburn at Christ The King Church in South Bend. Thomas worked for 29 years at Wheelabrator-Frye in Mishawaka then went on to work for the St. Joseph County Highway Department, from where he retired. Tom always had the mindset of serving his community throughout St. Joseph County, Indiana. He accomplished this in various capacities, spanning over twenty years, such as: treasurer and delegate for the Democratic Party, Precinct Committeeman for the Democratic Party of St. Joseph County, President of the Roseland Town Board and served on the Zoning Board of the Area Plan Commission for St. Joseph County. Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. He fulfilled his dream of building a home on the lake where he could fish every day. Although his health had not allowed him to go as often over the past year, his son took him fishing several times in the last week. He is preceded in death by his parents and a son, Thomas R. Allen, Jr. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Allen of Dowagiac, his children; Kimberley Brockleman of Dowagiac, Ronald Allen of Dowagiac and Peggy (Paul) Barber of Roseland, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; Kaysee Anne (Dom) Baker, Ronald Dale (Becky) Allen, Jr. and their daughter, Gracie Renee, Thomas Westley (Jessica) Brockleman, and their children, Ace Allen and Sage Renee, Daniel Russel (Keyra) Allen and their children, Mason Daniel and Morrison D., Jesse Allen (Molly) Brockleman, Alexandra Ann Allen and Kimberley Elizabeth Barber and, four sisters; Barbara (Bob) Curran of South Bend, Susie (Don) Marshall of South Bend, Joan Sheets of Ft. Wayne and Lois (Bob) Noble of Tennessee. In keeping with Tom's wishes cremation has taken place and his family will remember him at a private interment at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to one of his favored charities: St. Joseph's Indian School/Lakota Sioux tribe or the Wounded Warriors Project. Angler's Prayer God grant that I may live to fish, Until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, When in the Lord's safe landing net, I'm peacefully asleep, That in His mercy I be judged, As big enough to keep. GO CUBS GO!