Charles Leon Allen

Charles Leon Allen was born on April 8, 1931 to Elsie Shipp Allen and Ira Allen in Yoakum County, Texas.  He lived on the family farm until he moved to Seagraves. Texas in 1943.  He is survived by his only child, Linda Joanna Allen Jones, and husband, Tim Jones of Houston; his sister Frances Evans of Wichita Falls, niece Anne Doher and her husband Dennis of Wichita Falls; great nephew David Williams and his wife Tami and many friends and other cousins.

Leon graduated from Seagraves ISD.  He played sports and was considered a nice hard-working character.  He had several jobs; was always doing something or whatever needed to be done.  After high school he worked for The Western Company as a diesel mechanic.  He was transferred to Wyoming.  Ira Joe Allen, his older brother was killed in WWII.  When his remains were sent home, Leon returned to Seagraves to stay.

After his return he started dating Joanna Forrester, who became the love of his life.  They married on November 1, 1953.  Linda Joanna was born the next year and completed his family.

Leon worked for McAdoo Chevrolet as the parts manger.  Then opened a Mobile gas station and eventually got on with Southwestern Public Service.  He would help his father farm the home place along with his full-time jobs.  He was transferred to Amarillo with SPS in 1985.  He retired from SPS in 1993.

Leon Allen was a Renaissance Man.  He could fix anything or make anything.  He was intelligent, a duplicate bridge player, competitive golfer, jewelry designer, numismatist, and traveler.  He taught himself carpentry and used scrap lumber to make lawn chairs, an heirloom baby bed, plant stands, baker racks, and jewelry boxes.  He had a lifelong dream to become a pilot and did so, flying for several years.

Leon was always extremely competitive in all that he did.  He taught himself the computer.  He loved talking to people and never met a stranger.  He also always had a story.  He always saw the good in every situation.  His motto in life was “if you can’t say anything good about someone don’t say anything at all”.

He loved God and his church families at the 12th Street Church of Christ in Seagraves and the Southwest Church of Christ in Amarillo. He served as a Deacon. He would do anything to help someone no matter how large or small the need. He also loved animals, his neighbors, and kids.  He enjoyed being the block grandfather!

Due to Jo’s health needs, Leon became the chief cook and bottle washer and caretaker.  He was a devoted husband and set the standard for loving, advocating and caring for one’s spouse.  Charles Leon Allen died at home, on his terms, 9 months after his beloved Jo.

Due to the COVID virus there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the High Plains Children Home.