Marion Thomas Allen Jr.

FORT COLLINS - With gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the memory of Marion Thomas Allen, Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and esteemed businessman, who passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on March 19th at the age of 93.

A man of strength and unwavering integrity, Marion, or MT, as his friends called him, led his life with the steady confidence of a John Wayne character humble, resolute, and always true to his word. He never sought the spotlight, but his presence always commanded respect. His wisdom was shared not through grand speeches but through his actions. Those fortunate enough to know him understood the depth of his kindness, courage, and character.

MT was born on March 1, 1932 to Bertha Mae Pearce and Marion Thomas Allen, Sr. in Carrizo Springs, TX. He was the oldest of four children and nine years older than his next sibling. His siblings are George Allen, Doug Allen and Camilla Mitchell.

In December of 1952, MT entered the US Army and served in the Korean War as a meteorologist stationed in Misawa Airforce Base, Japan. He returned to Texas after almost two years and married June Kathleen Burson Allen on April 9, 1955 in Pleasanton, TX. June and MT would have celebrated their 70th anniversary next month!

The newlyweds moved to Crystal City, TX so MT could learn the plumbing business from his uncle, JB Allen. In 1961, after being told about great business opportunities in Colorado, June and MT left Texas and became Coloradoans. In 1962, MT started Allen Plumbing & Heating. MT always believed in the promise of a handshake, the loyalty to his word and the value of character. He and June led Allen Plumbing & Heating with this moral compass, fostering a workplace where many employees dedicated over 20 years to the company. In 2021, Front Range Community College honored the company’s success and the Allens’ contributions to the Fort Collins community by renaming its Fort Collins HVAC lab the “Marion & June Allen HVAC Lab”.

Outside work, MT loved hunting, mostly in Colorado and Texas, but also in Canada and Africa. He also enjoyed fishing, playing golf and cheering on the CSU men’s basketball and football teams.

MT was a devoted husband and family man. His love for June was evident in every gesture of his life and witnessing them together was a reminder of what true devotion looked like - tender, unwavering, and full of quiet understanding. He was a steadfast father to Jeff (Carrie), Kim (Gregg) and Mike (Kelly). He was also a gentle, doting grandfather to his seven grandchildren Lindsey and Cody (Olivia) Johnson, Cole (April) Glaser and Morgan Allen, and Tess, Lucy and Ruby Allen as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of MT’s life will be held in July and details will be shared closer to the event. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of MT to support the football or men’s basketball programs at Colorado State University. Please make checks payable to CSU Foundation and in the memo line list “Marion Allen to benefit either football or men’s basketball”. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1870. Alternatively, donations can be made in his name to Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. In his final days, MT was cared for with incredible compassion by the dedicated team at Pathways. Their kindness, respect, and support provided great comfort to both him and his family, allowing him to spend his last moments in his home with peace and dignity.

Rest peacefully, MT, Dad, Grandad. Your life was a testament to quiet strength, humility, and unwavering love. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

Marion “MT” Thomas Allen