This memorial website was created in  memory of my Father, Willard "Zeb" Allen. We will remember him forever.

MR. WILLARD "Zeb" ALLEN entered this life June 9, 1916 in Clark, Louisiana to Willie Allen and Betty Wade Allen. He was the third of three children. Willard's mother died when he was a mere two years old. She was one of the millions who died in the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. He was reared by his grandfather whom he affectionately called, "Papa Steve". Surely life was not easy but he never complained about anything. His stories were always sharing, never complaining.

Willard attended and graduated from Charlton Pollard High School in Beaumont, Texas. He served his country in the United States Army from 1943 until 1946. He was awarded the WW II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon, One Bronze Service Star, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, and one Bronze Star. After the army, he was a postal employee in the city of Los Angeles, California. He moved San Bernardino, California and gained employment at the California School of the Deaf in Riverside from 1953 until 1985.

Willard united in Holy Matrimony with Bessie Helen Davis. They were blessed with thirty years together until she was called to glory in 1969.  In June of 1971 he united in Holy Matrimony with Mildred Yvonne Washington Allen. They were blessed with fifteen years together and two children.

Having confessed his hope in Christ, his church affiliations include: Park Avenue M.B. Church in Riverside, California (1986-2002), Living Springs Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, Nevada (2004-2005), Hope Church, Belleville, Illinois (2008-2011).

As a 32nd degree Mason, Brother Allen was dedicated to his Masonic Lodge, the Consistory and Sheik Temple. He was held in very high esteem by the brothers therein. Wherever you go in the California, Hawaii area, Brother Allen was well known and highly sought after for his craft among the brethren. He served as Worshipful Master for over 22 years. When Lodge #71, Fontana, California went defunct, Bro. Allen transferred to Lodge #17 in the San Bernardino, CA area. There, he was welcomed and by way of appreciation for his many years of service in the Masons, the brothers of Lodge #17 declared Bro. Allens' dues paid in full for life. Sheik Temple #91 of Riverside, CA also declared his dues paid for life.

He loved cooking and was darn good at it! He tithed his time and skills to his church by taking complete control of the kitchen, at times, serving more than 700 guests in one visit. He planned menus, calculated each serving of food per person, purchased and prepared the food, supervised those in the kitchen and turned out scrumptious meals. He did not quit there. When the quests were gone and the programs were over, Bro. Allen remained to help with the clean-up until every pot, pan, spoon, sink, and floor was totally cleaned.

He loved fishing almost as much as he loved himself. Many times we thought there was another woman in his life. He took so many fishing trips his wife felt like the fisherman's widow. Bro. Allen and his late best friend, James Hart, made the Salt and Sea their second home (that was a two hour road trip to their favorite fishing hole). Once there, they would spend days and days fishing, cooking and telling tall tales.

Willard was promoted to glory on Sunday, September 11, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his beloved second wife of fifteen years Mildred Yvonne Washington Allen and his brother, Jack (Ulysses) Allen. He leaves to remember him with love, his Daughter Ona Monique Allen “Zeb Jr.” of Riverside, CA, his Son Tracy Van Allen of Riverside, CA, his sister, Olivia Allen Boudreaux of Dickinson, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

If my Father were here, he would, in his own humble way, smiling, looking you in your eyes, he would say: ―THANK YOU‖. May God’s peace rest upon you always, is my prayer for each one of you.

In Jesus name,

Ona

Facts

Born: June 9, 1916
Death: September 11, 2011
Occupation: School Supervisor
Hobbies: Fishing and Cooking
Organizations: Fraternal Order of the Mason's

Services

Memorial Service

Monday September 19, 2011, 11:00 - A.M. at Hope Church