Fred L. Allen, (Fingers) of Bellefontaine, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday December 12, 2022. He was born October 10, 1935 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the son of the late David Leroy Allen and Anna Mary Johnson Allen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Janet Ferguson Allen, his brothers Merle Allen, Sam Allen, Gerald (Chic) Allen, and sisters Vivian Levan and Betty Hunt.
On October 15, 1955 he married his high school sweetheart and best friend Janet Ferguson Allen, after four years of dating. He is survived by his three children Teresa “Tess” (Russ) Brenneman, Shelley (Ken) Russell, Libby (Brian) Esch; brother Gary (Louise) Allen, sister Jean Dyer. Grandchildren, Emily (Luke) Hoover, Bethany Foulk (Jason Tomlin), Nicholas (Courtney) Russell, Jordan (Ammanda), Russell, Makayla (Makayla) Russell, Hannah Allen (fiancé) Kyle Dawson, Kati Allen-Anderson (Paul), BJ Esch, and Emma Esch and his companion pet cat Jude.
Great grandchildren include Kylie Miller, Liam Miller, Alexis Close, Bentley Foulk, Dameion Wright, Lalla Wright, Carter Russell, Addalynn Russell, twins McKinley Allen, McCartney Allen, Oliva Russell, and Landen Russell.
At the age of 5, he started to drive the family tractor and quit school in 11th grade to take care of his family and work on the Allen Family Farm. Fred’s legacy was to work together with his wife Janet to be the rock that would build a firm foundation to ensure family was well taken care of and had everything they needed but not everything they wanted. Fred’s legacy for employment and his family was to be honest, dependable, goal setter, determined, organized, and confidential. Fred was one who would not make hasty decisions but always gave everything some thought before giving his answer.
He will be remembered by many for his detailed perfectionist finishing carpentry skills that remain in many businesses and homes and had worked in many cities surrounding Bellefontaine. When Fred started a job, he made sure that it was done right and fully completed. Job’s Fred held were State of Ohio Highway’s and Ohio Turnpikes, Johnson Construction Company, JR Chandler, LPZ, Thomas and Marker, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, and Bellefontaine City Schools. Fred helped with many school and community projects and events.
He was a jokester and enjoyed having a good time with everyone. Dad loved driving the church bus, giving money and gifts to little kids and buying Christmas gifts to surprise families who were less fortunate.
He had a deep love for his family and was a kind and loving man. He was the one with silver in his hair and gold in his heart; a provider, hero, role model and protector who sacrificed his own needs for those of his family and others. He was one who could build, fix, or restore anything. He was tough on the outside and soft on the inside; giver of the best advice. He would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need and was always willing to give a helping hand, expecting nothing in return. He was a very confidential man and if someone told him a secret you could guarantee it would never be told.
He will be deeply missed by not only his family and close friends but by all who knew him.
Per Fred’s wishes, please dress casual for the service. Pastor Russell DeBord will officiate a Funeral Service at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home and Crematory 5591 US 68 South, West Liberty, on Tuesday, December 20, at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place on Monday, December 19, from 1 to 6 pm. Burial will take place in Highland Memorial Cemetery.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Universal Home Health & Hospice for their care for dad and his favorite nurse Donna. Memorial contributions may be made to Bellefontaine First Family to the “The Fred Allen Christmas Memorial Fund” at 2833 US-68 South, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Please mail to P.O. Box 116, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Jennings Farley and Seeley Funeral Home, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Allen Family. Pallbearers are Ken Russell, Nick Russell, Jordan Russell, Brian Esch, Russ Brenneman, Luke Hoover, Paul Anderson, and Mike Allen.