Robert Ernest Allen

Robert Ernest Allen, 96, loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away at home in McAllen on August 31, 2024. He was born on October 2, 1927, in McAllen, TX. He was raised in McAllister, OK and McAllen, graduating from McAllen High School in 1946 and from Texas A&I Kingsville in 1952. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Joe” Allen and Minnie Bigham Allen, and infant brother, Joseph “Joe” Allen, Jr. and his cherished and loving wife, Patricia Gegenheimer Allen, of 64 years. They were married on February 7, 1959, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church after meeting at Our Lady of Sorrows Young Adults Club. Mr. Allen is survived by his five children: Debra Royder (Don), Paula Iannello, William “Bill” Allen, Jenny DeBerry (Hal), and Teresa May (Paul); five grandchildren: Tony Gonzalez, Jr. (Robyn), Wyatt Royder, Hannah May, Meagan May, and Paul Craig May, Jr.; great grandson: David Gonzalez; brother-in-law, Melvin D. Greenhill, brother-in-law, Lonnie Gegenheimer, Jr. (Betty), sister-in-law, Mary Gegenheimer Wilson (Freeman), sister-in-law, Kathy Gegenheimer Berry (Ron) and numerous nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews. Robert was a proud Veteran of WWII in the US Army. He returned home and went to college at A&I Kingsville on the GI Bill. Met the love of his life and married. They started their family in Snyder, TX where he worked for the Texas Soil Conservation Service, and while living in the Rio Grande Valley was a schoolteacher for many years. He loved family and spending time at family gatherings, birthdays and holiday celebrations. He was also a former member of the Our Lady of Sorrow choir along with his wife, Patricia. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen and St. Helena’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX. The family would like to show their appreciation and thank you to long-time care givers, Vickie Aguirre, Felipa Bajan, and Sue Delgado. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a rosary at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen on Thursday, September 5, 2024. A funeral mass will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 6th at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with interment to follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen.

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Robert Ernest Allen

August 31, 2024