Billy Allen
Brighton |
Billy K. Allen, 87, passed away peacefully on the 28th September 2014 at his home with family by his side. He was born the 19th September 1927 in Alton, IL. He was the only son of Herbert Clyde and Leona (Schneider)Allen. He attended Alton Senior High School and was a member of the Marching 100 Band. He graduated in 1945 and enlisted in the United states Army Air Corp. In 1947 he transferred to the United States Air force. In 1951 Billy was on a military tour of duty to England where he met the love of his life Jill (Smith) she survives. They married in 1955. They have three children, Michael and wife Mary Ann (Duffin) Allen, Allison (Allen) Delehanty and David Allen. While serving in the military he did several tours of duty overseas including Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. After a total of 26 years of service to his country, he retired in 1973 as a Master Sgt. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1308 and the Alton Eagles. He enjoyed his family and friends, trout fishing with his wife and he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Billy was able to enjoy many Air Force Reunions. Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Carrie Allen, Darren Delehanty, Rachel Delehanty, Laura Allen and four great grandchildren, Carlie Ann O’Neill, Matthew Allen Johnson, Ashley Ann Delehanty and Brynlee Rose Delehanty. Preceding him in death were his parents, Herbert and Leona (Schneider) and his sister, Gail (Allen) Campus. Visitation will be held at Gent Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Where a memorial service will be on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. with Father David Boase officiating. Burial immediately following at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with Full Military Honors by VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1308 and/or Resurrection Lutheran Church, Godfrey, IL in lieu of flowers. A luncheon will be provided by the VFW following the funeral. Special thanks to St. Anthony’s Hospice for their care and dedicated nurses. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
