Harvey Dean Allen

Harvey Dean Allen Jr. was born in Brea, California to Harvey Dean Allen Sr. and Louise Tompkins Allen. He grew up in Brea, California where he lived with his parents and his grandmother, Virginia Alice Edmondson Allen, whom he was especially close to. He graduated from Brea-Olinda High School in 1953. He was known to be well liked in his community, and by his neighbors, as he was a fun loving (but quiet) character. He enjoyed MANY adventures with his friends and school mates, many of whom he stayed very close to throughout the years. He also served in the US Air Force from 1956 to 1959 ( and in the Reserves till 1962).Harvey Jr. was known as “Dean” to his family and friends. Dean spent many of his summers with his cousins in Cortez, Colorado: He was very close to his Aunts: Mary and Eleanor Tompkins and his Uncle: Alan Tompkins and his many fun loving cousins.

On May 11, 1955 Dean married Carol Pauline Clark and they resided in Brea, California. Together they had four children: Darilyn Louise, Harold Dean, Tamara Sue, and later Shelly Dawn. Dean worked in Orange County as a machinist till approximately 1962. At that time the family moved to the High Desert where he worked as a machinist for a smaller company. Later in 1969 he and the family moved to Banning, California where he worked (and retired) for Deutsch as a Master Machinist in the Proto shop where he designed and made molds and parts. He was very skilled in his profession and admired by most of his coworkers as excellent in every way.... a hard worker, loyal, trustworthy, very knowledgeable. He spent time mentoring others in his field of expertise, many of whom became friends. Dean also enjoyed and participated in his local church where he served on the board. He and the family enjoyed trips to Joshua Tree where camping became a favorite activity. In 1979, his wife Carol unexpectedly passed away leaving him with two young daughters still at home to raise. He took on the challenge wholeheartedly, was always a good Dad.

In August of 1981 Dean met and married Judy Snellings with whom he spent the next 39 years of happy marriage. Judy had two daughters, Sharley and Jennifer and the family grew to a total of six kids. Eventually those children had a total of 15 grandchildren resulting in 29 great grandchildren and 4 great great grand children. Dean and Judy lived in Beaumont, California where they cherished family time, and enjoyed their friends and church and many activities. They led in groups and bible studies and choir and served as a deacon at Fellowship Church. They enjoyed man wonderful outings together with friends and family. When Dean retired in June of 2001 they enjoyed traveling and saw many beautiful sites along the way, he especially loved Monument Valley. He really loved photography and capturing pictures of people, places and things that were special to him. He absolutely loved nature, and animals... (especially his own well-loved cats!) Camping was extremely fun for them as they drove their toys and explored untold hours and miles of desert terrain. This they continued to do clear up to the end. Even with COPD, they would not give up or be deterred. They have been deeply loved by their many friends and family.

Dean will be remembered as having a rich legacy.... a true gentleman, caring and kind. No one ever spoke badly of him, he was admired and loved well by all. His children ( and their families) had great respect for him, all of them, as he was a good man, the best, and loved his family to the best of his abilities. He was tenderhearted and compassionate. Those who had the privileged of knowing him felt they were blessed to have had him in their life. Whether he lived close to you or at a distance, you were in his thoughts and prayers as he knew he was in yours. One of his last great interests was ancestry... as he learned more about his family roots and uncovered mysteries, it was obvious that family was of such great importance to him. He was a great example of unconditional love and lived his life in a way of service to those he loved and to His Lord. He has been an example of “a life well lived.”

He passed away on January 12, 2021 peacefully as he was ushered by the angels to his heavenly home, to be greeted by his loved ones who have gone on before him. With great rejoicing he was welcomed and with a heavenly choir he is now singing his praises to the One who loves him best. His struggles now over, he is at peace. May he rest with the angels. He will be greatly missed. Till we see you again at the Eastern Gate.