William Michael Allen

Our Father in Heaven called home William “Bill” Allen on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the age of eighty-two. His family and friends were his most important treasure. He was a devoted husband, a beloved father, and loving grandfather. He always provided love, encouragement and support to both his immediate family and his extended family. Bill in turn was loved by all of those he touched as he had a special connection with each person in his life. He never met a stranger. He loved life on this earth, had a passion for family, and an unbridled boyish charm with a fantastic sense of humor.

He was born April 20th, 1935, in Brattleboro, Vermont to Eunice and Warren “Jack” Allen. He spent his boyhood years in the Brattleboro area and graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic High School in 1953. He enlisted in the Air Force that same year and while on assignment in Hamilton Field, California he befriended our Uncle Steven Sulley who thought of him as a solid stand-up guy and introduced him to his sister-in-law, Jean Femano who became the love of his life. He married Jean Elizabeth Allen on April 25, 1959 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Kearny, New Jersey. Bill and Jean celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary this past April.

Bill served in the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, one of the "Top-3" enlisted grades. During his military service Bill had various assignments within the United States and overseas. Aside from the Vietnam conflict, Bill saw to it that his family was always with him. To Bill, this was a great educational opportunity for his sons. Some of his tours of duty included stays at Formosa Air Base (Taiwan), Hamilton Field (California), Edwards AFB (California), Eglin AFB (Florida), Seymour Johnson AFB (North Carolina), Wheelis AFB (Libya), Nellis AFB (Nevada), Ubon Thailand (family at Plattsburgh AFB, New York), Torrejon AFB (Spain), and Griffiss AFB (New York). Whether in this country or overseas, he always ensured that his love of God and Country was instilled in his sons.

Bill had a love of education and learning that he passed on to his boys. After serving 22 years in the United States Air Force, Bill retired in 1977 moving the family to San Antonio to afford college opportunities for his sons. At this time Bill was called to continue serving his country working in Civil Service supporting logistics at Kelly AFB and Brooks AFB. During this tenure with Civil Service Bill received a Bachelor of Education degree from Southwest Texas State University in May 1982. He laid the ground work for each of his sons to receive degrees from universities in the State of Texas.

After retiring from Civil Service in 1998, Bill with Jean enjoyed traveling with friends and family at home and abroad. They became avid fans of Texas A&M football and San Antonio Spurs basketball. One of Bill's joys in life was playing golf with his sons and grandchildren. However, his greatest love and hobby was spending time with family and making others laugh.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Jean and their four sons Guy, Mike, Ken, and John and their families. His sons blessed Bill and Jean with twelve grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He also leaves behind the remainder of the extended families of the O’neil’s and Allen’s from Vermont and the Femano’s from New Jersey.

Bill will always live on in our hearts and memories and we are comforted that he awaits us in the house of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

On Wednesday, December 27th, funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma, Texas followed by a 7:00 PM Rosary at Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City, Texas.

He will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 10:15 AM on Thursday, December 28th at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, anyone so desiring may make memorial contributions to the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher Houses provide military families housing close to a loved one during hospitalization. Visit the website http://www.fisherhouse.org/