Arthur W. “Blondie” Allen was finally able to leave his tired body behind on September 7, 2010, with his grandson by his side at Arbor House in Yakima, WA.
Blondie was born on October 6, 1921, in Salem, South Carolina to Jessie James and Mattie Bell (Brewer) Allen. He came to Washington in 1940 as a member of the Civilian Conversation Corps and served out of the camp on Highway 410 at the site of the old Naches Ranger Station. When the CCC ended in 1942, Blondie enlisted in the Navy and served for “three years, three months, and twenty-six days” until his discharge on October 2, 1945. Even though Blondie suffered at times from dementia in his later years, he could always remember exactly how long he served in the Navy!
It was during his stint in the CCC that he met his future wife, Easter Faye Williams, in Naches, WA. They were married in October of 1942. After his discharge from the Navy, Blondie returned to Naches, went to agriculture school, and raised three children with Faye. Along with raising the kids, they both worked very hard and eventually had one of the best fruit ranches in the valley. Blondie was always very proud of everything he and Faye accomplished.
Blondie was the type of guy who never met a stranger. He was always ready and willing to talk with anyone wherever he went. If he was needed to make a quick trip to the store, you’d best not wait in the car because sometimes you would end up sitting for a spell. He had a ready smile and a great twinkle in his blue eyes, so you could never be irritated at him—no matter how long you had to wait! If anyone needed a helping hand, he was always ready to assist.
He was a lover of life and participated in many activities through the years including bowling, shooting pool, and going to the car races. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter for many years until he shot his last deer in self-defense when it was about to leap on him and turned in mid-air at the last moment. Blondie loved to fish as well and that remained a passion until he could no longer get around without his walker or wheelchair.
Through the years, Blondie fed countless ducks, quail, and many other birds both at his home and up at the pond he built on their property. He also stocked the pond with several large trout that he kept fed until the neighborhood boys would sneak onto the property and fish them out. This went on for several years even though he knew that once the fish were stocked into the pond, someone would sneak in and fish them out. He always knew who it was even though nothing was ever said as it was all part of his game. Also enjoyed was the sound of the bullfrogs he introduced into the immediate area of the pond as well.
Blondie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Faye Allen of Yakima, WA; son Ray Allen (life partner Winona) of Yakima, WA; daughter Joyce Patteson (husband Don) of Selah, WA; granddaughter Debi Madison (life partner Kevin) of Belfair, WA; grandson Jeff Allen (wife Amy) and two great grandsons Craig and Corey of Allyn, WA; granddaughter Heather Allen and two great granddaughters Andrea and Sydney of Roseburg, OR; granddaughter Amber Waltz, two great grandsons Josh and Jace, and one great granddaughter Jodi of Roseburg, OR; granddaughter Kem Patteson of MD; brother James Lloyd Allen (wife Betty) of Greenville, SC; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother, and his firstborn child—daughter Shirley Faye VanderLinden who died in 1984 at age 41. Also preceding him were many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Blondie will be remembered by many as one of their all-time favorite people whether it was as a friend, relative, or just one of the guys. Special thanks to his son-in-law Don who was a good friend and one of Blondie’s strongest advocates in his later years. Don always said that if he could’ve chosen a Dad other than the one he had, he would’ve chosen Blondie. That says it all. We will all miss him greatly.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13th, at West Hills Memorial Park. Following the service, a remembrance celebration will be held in Naches at the Clemans View Sports Park (formerly known as the Boot & Spur Club) located near the intersection of Highway 12 and Allan Rd. As Blondie was the salt of the earth, dress can be casual and comfortable.
Donations may be made in Blondie’s name to the charity of your choosing in care of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA, 98902, but Blondie loved flowers as well so go by your own preference.
“Some will be remembered for what they said. Others will be remembered for what they did. The special will be remembered for who they were.”
–Author Jim Slinsky, avid outdoorsman, columnist, and speaker
Langevin-Mussetter is entrusted with the arrangements.
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