Obituary of Joseph Allen, Sr.

Joseph Allen, Sr. dedicated father, uncle, grandfather and friend, ended his earthly journey on November 9, 2012. He was born in Broussard, LA on August 26, 1938 to Dalton and Anita Allen.Joseph Allen enlisted in the US Army Reserves on July 18, 1956 and was sent overseas for his first duty assignment. He separated from the Army after one year and eleven months because he was homesick. After returning home with $2000 to his name he moved in with his older sister and brother-in-law. Letting her hold his money for safekeeping, an unfortunate event occurred and she lost all of his money while going to church, so as a result, Joseph had no money and no income. Deciding to re-enlist into the regular Army, he served from July 1958 to May 1976 as a Chaparral Crewman, then worked on Nike Ajax System and finally as a ballistic missile test repairman. In the course of 20 years, he was stationed in Europe five times (Italy & Germany) then stateside living in Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama and Colorado. After separating from the Army he moved to Colorado Springs and worked for AMPEX Corp. for numerous years.He was united in holy matrimony to Dora Fay Allen at her parents' house February 20, 1960. To this union was born five children, three sons; Craig Allen, Joseph Allen, Jr., Michael (Nicci) Allen, and two daughter; Anita Allen & Renee Bigelow.He leaves to cherish his precious memory three sons, Craig Allen, Joseph Allen, Jr. & Michael (Nicci) Allen, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, sisters, Mary Ann (Regis) Gabriel of LaFayette, LA and Antonia Robinson of Houston, TX, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.For years he devoted his time and talent mentoring and coaching youth sports in the Colorado Springs area. One of his greatest accomplishments occurred in 1979 where he coached the El Paso County Little League 11-12 year old baseball team to win the Colorado State Championship.The true family man he was, he loved attending family reunions, supporting his kids and grandkids at school and sporting events.He also loved playing Pinochle and Poker every, Monday, Wednesday & Friday with a group of close friends… brothers for life.He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dora Fay Allen, and two daughters, Anita Allen & Renee Bigelow.Visitation will be held, from 4:00PM-8:00PM, Friday November 16, 2012 at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Avenue.Funeral Service will be 10:00AM, Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3615 Vickers Drive.Interment Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 S. Hancock Avenue.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Visitation Friday, November 16, 2012 4:00PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Saturday, November 17, 2012 10:00AM Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church 3615 Vickers Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: 719-328-1793