William Allen

William Eugene "Bill" Allen of Pollard, passed away Feb. 28, 2010, at the Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

Born Jan. 2, 1930, he was the son of William Owen Allen and Amy Ruth (Miller) Allen. His step-mother, Bertha (Smith) Allen, helped raise him after the passing of his mother.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, working in the motor pool during his service and spending a year in Japan. After returning home he continued his occupation as a mechanic, auto parts store operator and truck driver in his working years. He served as mayor of Pollard for a time and lived most of his life in that community. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and caring for his animals. He was of the Protestant faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Donieve Sago, Mary Cooley, Dorothy Allen, Almarita Crow, Geneva Allen and Lois Allen; a brother, Charles Allen; step-sister Betty Leyendecker, and a step-brother, George Smith.

He leaves to mourn his passing, wife Violet Allen of the home; three children, William (Chuck) Allen and wife Vicky of Campbell, Denise Rossi of Captiva Island, Fla., and Duane Eugene Allen and wife Terese of Bartlesville, Okla.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Sara Jane Paine and husband Sidney of Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews; step-son, Victor Yandell and daughter; brother-in-law, Charlie Leyendecker of Corning; sister-in-law, Mary Ball and husband Jerry of St. Louis, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 4, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Darren Baker officiating.

Burial was in New Hope Cemetery in Pollard. Pallbearers were Steve Baker, Zach Baker, Duane Holifield, Gary Cooley, Ken Crow, Charles Cooley and Patrick Crow. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to post online condolences may do so at www.hoggardfuneralhome.com