Bill Lavern Allen

Bill Lavern Allen of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away from this life on March 15, 2023, at the age of 87. Bill was born in Cordell, Oklahoma, on October 27, 1935, the son of Charles Franklin Allen and Jewell (Gregg) Allen.

Bill attended high school in Cordell, where he was a champion runner on the track team. He graduated from Cordell High with the Class of 1954. Bill later received his Associate’s degree in Wilburton and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Southeastern University in Durant, Oklahoma. As a young man, he heard his country’s call and proudly and honorably served in the United States Navy. During his time with the Navy, Bill crossed the Pacific Ocean 13 times, transporting troops and equipment home from the Korean War. On April 10, 1959, Bill married the love of his life, Louise, in a beautiful ceremony in their hometown. Together they had two daughters, Ginger, and Sandra.

Bill went on to have a long and rewarding career in the aerospace industry, beginning with the Apollo program in the 1960s and retiring during the space shuttle era. He retired from Boeing Co. after 39 years of dedicated service. Due to the nature of his work, Bill, Louise, and their daughters moved all over the map, living in several different locations over the years. Bill and Louise saw their frequent relocation as an opportunity to see the world and cherished all the memories their family created during this time.

Described as easygoing, laid back, and easy to please, Bill’s stoic demeanor and steady personality always put others at ease. He was a devoted family man who loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved. He loved to work in his yard and tinker when he was at home, especially enjoying working to repair cars, TVs, and radios. He looked forward to college football every fall and was an avid OU and Arkansas Razorbacks fan who spent much of his free time watching games and studying sports stats. Above all, Bill was a wonderful husband and father, and later, a proud and doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he loved attending all their school and sports activities. He especially loved watching the kids run track, and was always their biggest cheerleader. Bill touched the hearts of many with his kind, gentle spirit. He will be dearly missed and remembered fondly by all those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Clarence Allen, sister Lillian Lenaburg, and half-sister Loy Allen.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise Allen; two daughters, Ginger Gardner and husband Gary, and Sandra Allen, all of Moore, OK; three grandsons, Jarrett Gardner, Kyle Gardner, and Taylor Gardner; six great-grandchildren, Maverick, Jaxon, Maddox, Lyra, Eliza, and Brenna; along with his half-brother, Dale Allen, half-sister, Joy Allen, and many more loving family members and friends.

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