1932
2017
Loving husband, father, and grandfather, Neal LeRoy Allen, took his last breath on earth and his first breath of celestial air as he entered his heavenly home on May 17, 2017 at 1:40 am. Neal was born on November 8, 1932, in Bird City, KS, to Claude and Avis Allen.
Neal married the love of his life, Joy Elaine Mills, on April 10, 1954, in Rochester, Indiana. He was assigned to the US Army from 1953-1955 in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. He was honorably discharged as a corporal on March 18, 1961.
First employed by Foster Lumber Company in St. Francis, KS, and then later employed by Western Electric Company, Neal spent the majority of his life as a self-employed contractor with his own Home Improvement Service. He hired many apprentices (ranging from part-time employees to high school and college students, family members and men from the church) where many felt the impact of his caring for their needs, learning "how-to" do remodeling plus being counseled, encouraged, prodded and mentored. His remodeling skills are still evident in many houses in Denver, CO, but he also used these skills to build God's kingdom.
In addition to building sets for church drama programs, Neal volunteered and took teams to remodel and upgrade smaller churches around the States. Furthermore, he went with missions teams to Mexico and Africa helping erect tabernacle churches and other work that required his
carpentry skills. One of the most awe-inspiring events of his life was visiting Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa.
Neal served the Rocky Mountain Ministry Network (Assemblies of God) as Light-for-the-Lost director, and worked in his local church as Youth Leader, Royal Rangers commander, song leader, served on the church board and as Treasurer. He greeted everyone who entered the doors and worked to know each person individually. He carried a roll of Lifesavers with him and befriended many children (and a few adults) by sharing the mints with them.
Neal took advantage of every opportunity to talk to others about his relationship with Jesus Christ and to encourage them to know the Lord personally. His most quoted verse, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
In 2002 a severe stroke left him with some residual disability. He took on every challenge with an "I can do anything" attitude. In March 2016, a bilateral brain bleed stole from him the ability to care for himself. Loving nurses and attendants at East Valley Hospice and then at Good Samaritan/Good Shepherd-Mesa assisted in making a life out of that travesty.
Through all of this Neal never lost his humor or his love of people. He witnessed for Christ and encouraged staff members to "talk to Jesus." His lively banter with the CNAs and Nurses kept his room filled with laughter and chatter.
Neal is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joy Elaine (Mills) Allen, sons Larry L. Allen and wife Rhonda, Rodney L. Allen and wife Kathy, grandsons Lian Allen and wife Kristina, Nick Allen, granddaughters Mandie White and husband Paul, Courtney Allen, and six delightful great-grandchildren Lavin, Asiah, Kaleb, Ambri, Olivia, and Ethan, his sister Roberta Winter, brother Jack Allen and his many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Neal was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Avis Allen, by his brothers Doyt, Wayne, Gerald, Troy, Merrill, and sisters, Joyce Allen and JoAnn Winter.
Memorial services will be held in Mesa, AZ on Monday at 11:00 AM at Via Church, 740 North Power Road, and at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.
The family expresses their special thanks to the nurses and staff of East Valley Hospice and Good Samaritan/Good Shepherd-Mesa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Light-for-the-Lost through the Rocky Mountain Ministry Network, 6295 Lehman Drive Suite 202, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 . Make checks out to RMMN and put Neal Allen – LFTL in the memo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care.
4 Entries
June 1, 2017
Lian Allen
I not only had the privilege of knowing him as a friend but also as my grandpa. He was the best grandpa I could have ever hoped for and one of my closest friends. I have so many memories from sleep overs as a kid to working with him in remodeling as an adult. He was always consistent in who he was and his desire to share the Gospel. He was a role model and inspiration for me and I miss him terribly. At the same time, I rejoice that he is no longer in pain and free from the physical limitations that he struggled with the last few years. I may miss him for awhile, but I know I'll get to see him again soon. Thanks for the love and memories grandpa.
May 21, 2017
Margory Ray
There are people that you meet in life that you can never forget. Neal is one of those people. He was a kind and gentle man who was loved by so many. His spirit and warmth will be missed. He treated everyone he met as if he knew them. His smile put you at ease the moment he looked at you. I am going to miss this man so much. He truly was a light in a very dark world! I love you Neal! See you later dear friend!
May 21, 2017
emily jones
Neal and joy was my husband mike and I concert buddies for atleast 18yrs .he will be greatly miss, but know he is in heaven in no pain and loving being with jesus a great man of god love u both and praying for peace and comfort
May 20, 2017
Jack & Leanne Allen
We were so blessed to have seen Neal in December. As Jack's wife, I did not know him very well, but I found him a joy to be with. Jack greatly enjoyed the time he was able to spend with him. What a joy to think of him enjoying Heaven without the disabilities that he struggled with in later years. We will be sending a check to LFTL knowing his legacy will be carried on in some small way. Thinking of you Joy and family and so glad we have this hope that we will be reunited someday soon!
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