Walter Lee Allen's Obituary
Walter Lee Allen, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler Many of his cherished loved ones were able to say their goodbyes to this loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Eugenia Trosclair, and his son, Mark Jeffrey, who died from illness at age 3.
Walter, or “Walt” as he liked to be called, was born on February 28, 1925 to parents, Eva Hampton and Walter G. Allen in Dallas, Texas.
Walt attended W. H. Adamson High School and graduated in 1943. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army to fight for his country in World War 2. He became a Sergeant in the 385th Signal Service Company Aviation and his occupation specialty was Wire Chief Telephone and Telegraph. He was decorated with The American Theater Victory Medal before his honorable discharge in March of 1946. When he returned home to Dallas, With time served in the military he took advantage of the free cost of college tuition and entered Southern Methodist University . After 2 years of college he was ready to enter the workforce. With his education and Communications background from the military, he signed on with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company ( now AT&T). He had a long lasting career with that company until his retirement at the age of 55. He met and married Frances (Fran) Dudley in that office and their long lasting marriage continued for 73 years until death parted them.
After retirement, with time on his hands, his dream of building a house became a reality.
He only meant to build one story, but somehow it became 2, and though it took him years,he accomplished this and lived in it for many years. Walt was never idle for very long even up into his golden years.
Walt was a quiet man, in other words, he just didn’t go in for small talk. He was very intelligent, and could figure out how to do something by reading a book, for example, how to build a house. He was always learning and doing. He was an avid sports fan and there was usually a game on the TV he was glued to. He loved golf especially and he loved to play it. Having a golf course in his backyard was handy! Landscaping came easy to him. He had that “green thumb”. Photography was another love. He loved to snap pictures of Fran. She usually came with a small pooch on her lap. There must be thousands of Frans and different pooches over the years. I think Fran loved posing too. Walt was deep into Ham Radio Operating there for years. He had that super tall antenna by the house so that meant super serious business talking to people like him all over the world. Somehow I don’t think it was anything like the CB radio we used to have in our cars. He loved Classical music. It was always playing in the house and car. His favorite was Ravel’s Bolero. A beautiful piece we all loved.
His family was important to him and he loved just hanging out with them, whether it was a special dinner or birthday, that made him happy. His other interests were Politics, following the stock market, and building computers. He never was bored and he didn’t understand when he heard people say they were.
He is survived by wife, Frances. His 3 Daughters, Lea Ann Harris, Patty Hannon, Lisa Haney. Jerry Harris, son in law, Robert Hannon, son in law.
He is survived by 10 grandchildren; Aaron Johnson and wife Michelle, Amanda Phillips, Jamie Johnson,
Shawn Heil, Danny Heil, and Kelly Torp, Matt Little and wife Tammy, Michael Haney, Kaitlin Ley and husband Marco, Mark Haney and wife Rachel
He is survived by his sister in law Jo Shuptrine and niece Paula Burright
He is survived by 14 precious great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In closing, Walt was a great man, an honorable man, a hard working man, respected by all who knew him. He will be missed everyday. Walt rest now. You’ve earned it.
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