Fred S. Allen

Fred Stephen Allen, 95, of Corvallis died March 31 at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Fred was born in Sidney, Montana, and raised on a ranch near Fairview, Montana, a small town divided by the Montana-North Dakota border. The family traveled to Oregon in 1937 during the 'dust bowl' years, first landing in Sherwood for a short time then settled in Corvallis off of Bellfountain Road. Fred remembered his first thought once they had arrived in Corvallis was that this was truly a special and beautiful place. He would never want to live anywhere else. The rest of his large family eventually returned to Montana. Fred attended Corvallis High School where he graduated in 1940. He played football and was on the boxing team. He also found work on a neighboring farm owned by Charles Davis. Charlie would eventually become his father-in-law. Fred joined the Army Air Force in early 1942. He received his training at various locations throughout the United States before being assigned to Hawaii and eventually the South Pacific (Marshall Islands). Many service related health issues would follow him home, and be with him for the rest of his life. Without complaint he lived a life longer than what the “experts” predicted, about 70 years longer! He married Betty Lee Davis — the love of his life — on Dec. 31, 1945, at the Corvallis First Presbyterian Church. They had three children, Linda, Stephen and Sandi. Fred joined his father-in-law in his farming operation, eventually purchasing neighboring acreage to add to the “home place.” Betty passed away in 1981. In 1986 he married Velma Reinke. Velma passed away in 2002. Fred enjoyed reading. He was always studying, usually historical events and biographies. Lately he had taken an interest in reading about the Middle East and the plight of the refuges and the challenges for women. He was always able to live outside of his world to learn and care about others. He was a pinochle player, still playing once a week. During his younger years he and Betty belonged to the “Double or Nothing” pinochle group — a group of 12 couples that would play once a month for over 50 years. Fred was also an avid Beaver fan, any sport, along with professional baseball. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and most of all his family. He always said his favorite hobby was being Grandpa to his only grandchild, Anna. Fred is survived by his son, Stephen Allen of Corvallis; daughter Sandi Allen-DePaepe (Joe DePaepe) of Happy Valley; sister Oriana Arneson of Dallas; granddaughter Anna Lee DePaepe (his treasure); and many beloved nieces and nephews from across the nation. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Lee Allen; parents Fred and Deva Allen; brothers Albert, Dean, Thomas and James; and sister Donna Aastrom. A service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Corvallis First Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Matt Gough and Reverend John Dennis will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mary's River Gleaners in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th St. Corvallis, Oregon 97330

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Fred S. Allen

September 16, 1920 - March 31, 2016