Paul David “Rink” Allen, 50, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Paul ‘Rink’ ‘Big Man’ Allen must have known half of America, Arkansas, Atlanta, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and around the world. We knew it at home, but Paul made a huge and lasting impact on so many wonderful people. Your stories and memories of Paul have been overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and beautiful! By all accounts, he was an angel sent to us on a Harley Davidson to ride in and save us all !!! Paul was a decorated US Marine warrior, hardened under battle situations during the first days Operation Desert Storm, fighting to liberate Kuwait City. He was a paramedic saving lives in Fort Smith, a fireman in Barling, Arkansas, restaurateur in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Factory Safety Nurse and Safety Manager in Northwest Arkansas, and in Florida, HR Manager and job placement services professional, plus insurance salesman in Arkansas and Florida, nursing student and heart catheter technician in Florida. Paul taught Battlefield First Aid to officers of the United Arab Emirates Army, all over their country. He was a Florida vacation resort maintenance director before coming home to Arkansas and most recently, doing the same for Ashton Place Manor in Barling. He loved his family, his sons, Zane and Chase, the ocean water, helping friends, Marines and Harley Davidsons!
He is survived by two sons, Zane Michael Allen of Van Buren and Chase Taylor Allen and wife, Kelsey of Mulberry; his parents, Jon and Sharon Allen of Fort Smith; one brother, Mark Allen and wife, Ronda of Fort Smith and one sister, Tiffany Woodhull and husband, Jarrell of Booneville.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 24 at Rye Hill Baptist Church followed by US Marine Corps military honors at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at noon under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Thursday from 1 – 7 p.m. at Rye Hill Baptist Church, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Wes Nichols, Jerry Duvall, Bruce Holland, Jeff Been, Austin Smith and Tony Griffith. Honorary pallbearers will be Greenwood High School Class of 1986, US Marine Corps Brothers, India Company 3/23, Weapons Platoon and members of Fort Smith EMS.
The family asks you to please make donations, 100% non-profit and tax deductible 501(c)(4), to the River Valley Marine Corps League Detachment 1248 or their Toys for Tots program, 7428 Ellis St., Fort Smith, AR 72916, http://www.rivervalleymcl.com/toys-for-tots.html or contact Mr. Robert Rivera 479-522-4286 or the Paul Allen Love Fund at First Western Bank, 8399 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903.
Thank you to everyone that has contacted our family with love and condolences. This has to be the toughest event our family has faced. So, thank you for your love and prayers.
Thank you for your love of Paul ‘Rink’ Allen. He lived life to the fullest and was gripping the throttle all the way!
