Melvin Allen

Melvin Edward Allen went to be with Jesus on May 24, 2004, at 10:15 p.m. He fought an impossible fight, endured longer than any human should, but grew too tired to continue.

He married Mildred Toler in Benton, Mo., on Oct. 7, 1937. He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Allen; his mother and stepfather, Calvin and Sadie (Fisher) Hoover; two brothers, Homer Allen and Herbert Hoover; a son, Robert Allen; and two daughters, Shirley Allen and Melba Jean Carlton-Heiman.

He is survived by his children, Jack Allen, Floyd Allen and James Allen, all of Makanda, Ill., John Allen of Rancon, Ga., Patricia Hanson of Lindenhurst, Ill., Sharon Ray of Thompsonville, Ill., Brenda Hardwick of Mattoon, Ill., Linda Sargent of Jacob, Ill., Roberta Bailey of Wolf Lake, Ill.; a sister, Florence Bain of Bell City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He has 32 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Melvin was an avid gardener who loved to share his strawberries, blackberries and pecan pies with everyone. Before retiring, Melvin created his own sanitation business and operated it for several years. He was an inspirational and determined individual who will be missed and loved by all.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro, Ill. The Rev. Harry Hogan will officiate. Burial will be in Rowan Cemetery in Makanda, Ill.