Gerald Allen

PARADISE, UTAH: Gerald Allen , 76, returned to his heavenly home on October 13, 2009 to a long awaited and glorious reunion with his loved ones.

His love and dedication for family, friends, church, and community enriched the lives of everyone that he associated with. His wisdom, love, humor, knowledge and dedication have influenced the lives of many.

He was born on 12 May 1933 in Providence, Utah, the second son of Joseph Albern McMudie Allen and Ella Wanda Mendelkow. Gerald grew up in Paradise the town that he adored. He grew up loving the outdoors and spending most of his time on a horse. He lived in a neighborhood with several other boys and they never lacked for activities. What one couldn’t think of another could, and he was famous for his pranks.

He graduated from Paradise Elementary and South Cache High School. He was a member of the South Cache Basketball team. After graduating from high school, he worked full time for White’s and later Utah General Depot.

On August 1, 1951 he and Elizabeth Smith were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. Gerald was a home town boy and he had known her all of his life. They made their home in Paradise and lived their most of their lives except for a few short intervals. They have exemplified a relationship of love, adoration and respect for each other for many years.

Later he attended Utah State University where he majored in Science. Prior to his completing his degree Gerald was called to military service in August of 1955. While in the service, he served as a tank commander at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Later he was transferred to Ladd air Force Base, Alaska, where he served as the driver for the Company Commander.

When he returned from the service Gerald completed his degree at Utah State University receiving BS degree in Science, in 1958. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Science from the University of Utah in, 1962.

Gerald taught school throughout the years at Beaver High School, Logan Junior High School, and Logan High School, where he taught biology, chemistry, general science, physiology, and driver’s education. He was an excellent and dedicated teacher and has received many compliments and acknowledgements. He retired from teaching after 30 plus years.

Gerald had the ability of getting along with people. He was public minded and has served on the Paradise Town Council for thirty two years; twelve years as mayor. He was concerned with the people's needs and tried to do the best for them.

He also served as the President of the Cache County Mayors Association, where he served as the Chairman of the committee to change the form of county government to the Council Executive Type.

Throughout his life he has been an active member of the LDS church who honored his priesthood. He has served in numerous callings throughout the years.

He is fondly remembered with love and compassion by his, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His children and their spouses are: Oliver Brad (Lisa) Allen of Paradise UT, Gerald Kent (Linda) Allen of Murrieta CA, and Linda Kae Allen (Bradford J. Smith Jr.) of South Ogden, UT. Also, his sister in law Janet Thurston (Stephen) of Hyde Park, UT and brother-in-law, Bartley Hatch of Beaverton, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his beloved wife Elizabeth. His absence will be deeply felt by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed but never forgotten by all those who knew him.

A heartfelt thank you and blessing is bestowed on the many friends and family members that have supported Gerald throughout his life. Special thanks are extended to the people at Logan Regional Hospital, Legacy House, and Terrace Grove especially those who helped him in his final hours.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:00 pm.at the Paradise 4th Ward chapel, 155 East 9400 South, Paradise, Utah. Two viewings will be held in memory of Gerald Allen. The first will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan, Utah. The second viewing time will precede the funeral from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church.
Following the funeral, graveside services with military rites will be held at the Paradise Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be extended to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .