Donald (Don) Ray Allen was born in Utah’s Bingham Canyon on September 19, 1930, to Melburn R. and Mary Irene Allen. He had two brothers, Kenneth (deceased), Garry, and two sisters, Mary Beth (deceased), and Sandra. Don passed away peacefully on July 11, 2018.
Don’s life was blessed with four children, one stepson, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; all of which were the highlight of his life. Don served his country honorably in the North Korean campaign as an Air Force tail-gunner. Don worked at Kennecott Copper for over 30 years in production control at the Bingham Canyon mine.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jean E. Allen. Don graduated from Jordan High School. He was a member of the football team that won two state championships under the coaching of Snyde Taylor.
One of his most cherished accomplishments was being involved in the initial test crews of the B-36 bomber. Don was first married to Barbara H. Ballard (later divorced). Together they had four children: daughters, Shanna Lori (deceased), Jodi, and sons, Don and Paul.
After his military service, he was employed by Kennecott Copper for more than 30 years. During his career, there were many strikes at the mine which shut down work; during these times, Don kept himself employed by owning and operating a service station in Sandy, Utah, and later worked for the US Postal Service as Draper Utah’s first rural delivery man. As a coach, Don was actively involved with Draper Youth Baseball and Ward Basketball, participating in championship competition in both.
Later, Don married Jean E. Gilbert of Riverton, Utah, bringing her son, Scott, into the family. Don enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing, always including his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Some of Don’s favorite fishing experiences were at Strawberry Reservoir in Utah, and he also enjoyed many trips to Montana, fishing in the Madison River with his sons and grandson.
Dad enjoyed family above all and loved hosting and attending family get-togethers sparked by holidays and sporting events. By the acknowledgment of all family members, specifically his grandchildren, “Grandpa” was his greatest accomplishment. Don is survived by: His wife: Jean Allen; His children: Donald R. Allen, Jr. (Cory), Jodi Quale (Dan), Paul W. Allen (Lou Ann); His stepson: Scott Silcox; His grandchildren: Amy Merrill (Ernie), Nicholas Scott (Juli), Kelli Rasmussen (Cliff), Rachel Salway, Kendrick Rith (Sam), Truman Allen (Katie); His great-grandchildren: Hanna, Emma, Isabell, Olivia, Sophia, Evelyn, and Angelia.
Graveside services will be held Monday, July 16 at 11 a.m. at the Crescent Cemetery, 11105 S. State St., Sandy. The family would like to thank Summit Hospice team for the excellent care of our Dad in his final months.
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