George Franklin Allen

Levenworth, KS

1939, 762, Custer, F-12,

George Franklin Allen beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully on January 2, 2015 at the age of 95, after a seven year courageous battle with dementia. George was born in Savannah, Missouri on December 25, 1919 to Edward and Mable Nelly Allen. He was one of seven brothers and sisters.

On completion of the eighth grade and due to circumstances of the era, he became a destitute traveler. Unfortunately, these conditions forced George to ride the trains. After several years of travel, this led him to South Dakota. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), where he met the love of his life, Norma Mae Linde. They were married on December 12, 1939 in New Castle, Wyoming.

George served in the Army during WWII as a cook. While in the Army he was stationed state side, because his four brothers were already in the European Theater. He served many posts which included working directly under General Dwight Eisenhower. George was very proud of this accomplishment and often told stories about his interactions with General Eisenhower.

After leaving the Army, George and his family moved to Estacada, Oregon eventually ending up in The Dalles. This move led to many accomplishments which included building over 35 homes and the residential area known as Allen’s Place. He also built the home that the couple has lived in for over 60 years. George and Norma were one of the first residents of Murray’s Addition. Together they started the Lower Chenowith Water District which included the building of Allen’s Reservoir. He was a respected craftsman, carpenter, and builder.

George loved listening to old time country music such as Marty Robbins. He also loved playing jokes, laughing, being with his family, and having fun with friends. One of his favorite pastimes was to build and create. He was truly an artist and inventor in every sense of the word. George’s favorite discussion topics were politics and religion. George loved to travel with his family, often visiting Death Valley, California; Branson, Missouri; South Dakota, Utah, and Arizona.

George will forever be remembered by his devoted family and friends as someone who loved life. He is survived by his wife, Norma Allen, daughter Ruth Otto, grandchildren Robert, Richard, and Renee Otto, and great grand children Morgan Otto, Levi, Kayela, and Isaac Gatchet along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

George touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

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