Thomas M. Allen was born on July 16th, 1948 to loving parents Isaac Monroe Allen and Glova Beatrice Rigsby. A graduate of Hillsboro High School, he attended Tennessee Tech and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Civil Engineering. His specialties included Storm Water Management and Environmental Permitting and Compliance.
He worked 20 years with the Nashville District Corps of Engineers. He joined Neel-Schaffer in 1998 with over 40 years of experience. He always spoke very highly of his colleagues, and the camaraderie they enjoyed.
Tom married the love of his life on July 15th, 1972.Margaret Rose Kohl was, and still is, his faithful and loving companion. His daughter was born on October 5, 1975, Jill Terese Allen. A son was to follow on May 31, 1978, Christopher Thomas Allen. He also has 3 beautiful granddaughters, Anna Grace Voltaggio, Molly Julianna Roberson, and Claire Nicole Roberson. He was the best father a child could ask for. Patient, loving and kind, even when it came to math homework. Unfortunately, his children were not blessed with the best of his math skills.
Tom was a die hard Vanderbilt football fan. Through thick and thin, he always tried to remain optimistic, saying "Well, maybe next year. " He also enjoyed running, reading the sports pages, and spending time with family. He was a connisuer of fine foods, including onion rings, Krystals, BBQ, and banana pudding. Breakfast was his favorite meal. All of the above mentioned delicacies were served with ketchup and BBQ sauce. And there could never be too much of either.
His favorite thing to say was always "Please be careful". And this could be said even when going to the refrigerator or mailbox. As his children grew up and out on their own, we were always told to let the phone ring once at their home so they would know we made it home safely.
But most importantly, Tom was the best husband, father (Diddy) that anyone could ask for. He had a heart of gold, and was always the most considerate and kind man, with never a bad thing to say about anyone, (except "maybe" when Vandy played UT). His example is hard to live up to, and is hard to explain what a good man he was. But we take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven, where Vanderbilt always wins and UT never does.
A special thank you to Alive Hospice for being such angels during this difficult journey. May God bless each of you.
Tom converted to Catholicism in 1979 and has been a faithful Catholic ever since. We are honored that visitation will take place at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 2nd from 3-7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Cathedral of the Incarnation with Father Dexter Brewer officiating. Internment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
"Call me by my old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always did. Put no difference in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play. Smile. Think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word it ever was."
All is Well.
Henry Scott Holland
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