John Davis Allen, 83, passed away Friday morning, July 22, 2016, at his home following an extended illness. He was born on September 14, 1932, the son of Commodore and Mary Shaffer Allen of Arden, West Virginia. On October 22, 1953, he married Georgia Sturm who resides at their residence. They were married 62 years.
He is survived by two sons; Jeffery Allen and wife Christie of Philippi, West Virginia, Brent Allen and wife Pamela of Canal Fulton, Ohio, two granddaughters; Marcie Prettyman (Shane) and Macall Allen both of Morgantown, West Virginia, four grandsons; Andrew (Veronica) Allen, Jordan Allen and Dustin Allen (Kaylin Cassity) all of Ohio, Bradley Allen of Washington, D.C., along with four great grandchildren; Cole Prettyman, Kenleigh Prettyman, Kate Prettyman, and Troy Allen.
John is survived by one sister; Janet (Anthony) Russ of Joliet, Illinois, two brothers; Bretzel (Edna) Allen of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Jerry (Carol) Allen of Ohio, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sister-in-law’s; Caroline Allen, and Lynne Kewetik, one brother-in-law; John (Carolyn) Sturm, and two special nephews; Donard and Elwood Weaver.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from May 1953 until July 1955 and was in the reserves until 1961. He was a member of District 31 Local 4172 UMWA. He retired from Badger Coal Company in 1986 with more than 20 years of service. John worked on the restoration of the Philippi Covered Bridge after the fire in 1989. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. John attended the Mariah’s Chapel Church. The family wishes to thank Mountain Hospice and its caregivers for their loving support during their time of need. Sincere thanks also goes to all the family and friends who visited, sent cards, took time to call, and offered up prayers.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 4-8pm and on Sunday, July 24th from 8am-2pm the service hour with Rev. David Daugherty and Pastor Becky Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Clemtown Cemetery with military honors being accorded.