Thomas Cort Allen Jr.

Thomas Cort Allen Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after a short illness. Born on October 28, 1931, in Madison, Wisconsin, Thomas was the son of Thomas Cort Allen Sr. and Esther Liening Allen. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 69 years, Donna Hillebrand Allen, whom he married on June 27, 1953. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Parmalee Allen Schilling, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Deanne Allen, his grandson, Andrew Cort Gillispie, his granddaughter, Nicole Lorraine Boyd, and five great-grandchildren. After graduating from West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1949, he earned his BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1953 and both his MS and PhD from the University of California, Davis, in 1957. Tom served his country in the army from 1957 to 1959, after which he initially worked for Stauffer Chemical Company before becoming a professor at Oregon State University in Plant Pathology in 1962. He retired and became a professor emeritus in 1990. Tom was a founding member of the Corvallis Art Guild and a dedicated participant in the Oregon Watercolor Society. He was a life time member of the Rotary Club, serving as president, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, and was involved in Rotary’s Sister City Program in the Ukraine. Tom was also an active member of the Congregational Church in Corvallis, where he sang in the choir, and he performed in a barbershop quartet for many years. Tom’s artistic talents were renowned. A gifted watercolor artist, he traveled the world painting on location, leading critique groups at the Oregon Coast, and participating in plein air watercolor groups wherever he lived. He enjoyed many family paint outs with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those who knew Tom will remember him for his creativity, sense of humor and the friendliness that endeared him to everyone. A celebration of life was held in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The family requests that any donations be made to organizations that reflect Thomas's passions and commitments. Tom Allen will be deeply missed, but his legacy of laughter, music, teaching, research and art will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

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Thomas Cort Allen Jr.

October 28, 1931 - August 4, 2026