Robert K. Allen Sr.

On January 19, 2025 the world lost another of “The Greatest Generation” when Robert Kent Allen (Bob) passed away at the age of 98. Bob was born the second child of Kent D Allen and Dorothy Wilcox Allen in Dallas, Texas on September 29, 1926. He was the devoted husband of Betty Jean Bird Allen of Waxahachie, Texas for 52 years until her death on January 19, 2008, exactly 17 years before his own passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, his sister Doris Allen Dowell, brother-in- law McCarty Dowell, and due to his age, practically everybody else he ever knew including all his doctors, lawyers, pastors, everyone. He is survived by his son Robert K. Allen, Jr., his daughter Elaine Barker Kerins, son-in-law C.J. Kerins, grandchildren Amanda Barker Desguin (Austin), Garrett Barker (Van), Katie Allen Wallace (Jerryd), and great grandchildren Will and McKenna Wallace.

Bob enlisted in the navy as soon as he turned 18 in 1944. He served primarily on cargo ships carrying munitions from a depot in Tacoma, Washington to Hawaii. Later he trained to pilot the landing craft which carried troops onto the beaches during invasions because so many pilots had been lost during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His first action would have been the landing on the Japanese mainland – most likely a suicide mission. Luckily for him, the atomic bombs were dropped first and Japan surrendered. After the war ended, he was part of the occupation force in Japan and returned to civilian life in November of 1946.

During the next few years, Bob and a childhood friend built a wooden motorboat which was powered by a 16 hp outboard motor. Although they didn’t actually invent waterskiing, they did make their own skis by steaming and bending two boards then attaching straps to them.

In 1956 Bob and Betty married and in a few years had two children. They were members of Central Christian Church and had an active social life. During the 70’s they learned to square dance and joined “The First Knighters” square dance club. They remained friends with several other couples long after the club disbanded. Bob also enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, and collecting coins. He was well known for his beautiful Bougainvilleas, love of Hawaii and tropical plants. He even taught himself how to paint by painting over a jigsaw puzzle. After the puzzle, he completed several actual paintings on canvas which were surprisingly good.

Because almost all of Bob’s old friends are already gone, the family has decided to have a small private gathering.