Earl Lynn Allman's Obituary
Earl Lynn “Pinky” Allman, 84, passed away peacefully in Carrollton on October 2, 2024. The fifth of six children, Pinky was born in McKinney on August 23, 1940, to Verna (Bedell) and Jonas Alton Allman, Sr. From his earliest days, Pinky was a one-of-a-kind character, and impossible to forget. A true free spirit, he was best known for his genuine interest in others, curiosity about the world, and carefree approach to life.
As a 5-year-old growing up in Plano, Pinky earned his nickname because of his red hair; from that point forward, few people he met ever knew his given name. An avid athlete during his time at Plano High School, Pinky worked summers as a lifeguard. He was the Wildcats’ starting pitcher, as well as quarterback and team captain for the football team. He graduated in 1958, and was voted class favorite that year.
Pinky had several jobs over the years, many of them almost as unique and interesting as he was. In addition to working at various points as a firefighter, homebuilder, and FEMA representative assisting with national and international disasters, Pinky also had a stint catching queen bees in Hawaii to further hive health and conservation. For decades, Pinky traveled across the desert Southwest in his brown van, the “Merry Miler,” visiting friends he had met on his journeys, as well as members of the Native American community he called his “Hopi family.” On these adventures he gathered stories as though they were souvenirs, always maintaining his fascination and authentic interest in other people and other cultures. Passionate about nature, Pinky enjoyed fishing and gardening and believed in treating every living creature with kindness and respect.
Pinky spent his later years on Lake Buchanan, living simply, as had always been his way. He is survived by his two sisters, Valeria Allman Fenwick and Patricia Allman Underhill; his sister-in-law, Janis Allman; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Charles (Chick), Lewis, and Alton. Following a private family service on October 26, Pinky’s ashes will be interred next to his parents in the Garden of Ascension at Restland Memorial Park.
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