Gilbert Leon Allen

Gilbert Leon Allen, 89, of Olive Branch passed away on August 2, 2015, at his home. Mr. Allen was born in McCondy, MS to Spurgeon L. and Bobbie Lee Allen and graduated from Okolona High School. He was a veteran of the United States navy and served in World War II from 1944 to 1946 as a Radioman Third Class. upon returning from the service, he met and married Maxine Lancaster of Van Vleet, MS. He was employed by Kroger Co. for twelve years before going into business for himself. The family moved to Memphis in 1967, where he operated Allen's Big Star in olive Branch, which he owned for 30 years. Allen's Big Star actively supported the Olive Branch schools and school activities through donations and gave countless teenagers their first jobs. He was a member of First Baptist church in Olive Branch where he served as Deacon. He served as Chaplain of the Gideon Camp of Northeast Mississippi. he was a founding member and vice-president of the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce, a member of various civic organizations and was a 31st degree mason. Gilbert was an avid quail and duck hunter and enjoyed cattle ranching and gardening in his retirement.

Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dan Allen of Olive Branch, and his sister, Betty Bishop of Okolona, MS. He leaves his wife of 66 years, Maxine Allen, 2 daughters, Linda carter (Danny) of Hernando and Sandra Palmer (Roger) of Olive Branch, and 3 sons, jerry Allen (Marty), Keith Allen (Carol) and randy Allen (Amy), all of Olive Branch. He also leaves 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. David Webb. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons, P.O. Box 682, Olive Branch, MS 38654 or to Methodist Hospice, 1211 Union Ave., Suite 450, Memphis, TN 38104.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Brantley funeral Home in olive Branch, MS. Funeral services will be held the same day at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Forest Hills South in Memphis, TN.