Services for Robert Wayne Allen

This is something that our family never saw coming, as inevitable as death is. My grandfather, Robert Wayne Allen, suddenly fell ill following a hospital visit last week for back pain, and unfortunately, he never fully recovered. Both of my grandparents have been lucky enough to live past the age of 90, but they have had dementia for some time now. Even with dementia, he was still incredibly healthy right up until the very end. My grandparents were married for SEVENTY years, and since they were young, they have not spent a day apart from each other. In the muddled waters of dementia, they look at one another and they know that they are home, so having the separation from my grandmother in a strange and scary environment of the hospital for a few days was too much for him. Routine and familiarity are critical with this disease, and this shows how detrimental it can be without.

They have been living at Charter Senior Living in Paris, Tennessee for nearly three years, which has been a godsend in peace of mind for our family in Colorado, knowing that they are safe and surrounded by people that care about them. My mother, Carla and I had already purchased tickets to fly out this weekend to check in and see how they were doing following a recent visit my mother had with them when he first complained of back pain while my grandmother had broken her hip in a fall a few weeks ago, but when staff called to tell us of his dramatic and rapid decline, we changed our flights and were in Tennessee later that evening, accompanied by my brother, Bobby as well. We spent two days at his bedside, and then my grandfather passed away very peacefully at 12:28 this morning (January 11, 2024). He was surrounded by his family, surrounded by love, and surrounded by prayer as we all laid hands on him to help his transition into his eternity with our Father Lord.

Brother Allen, as so many lovingly called my grandfather, was a minister for 74 years, but he served the Lord for his entire life. Not only did he serve the Lord, but he served this country in the Army, and flew planes for 11 years in the church's White Angel Fleet. I can't imagine a more faithful man than my grandfather, and this world was lucky to have him. He and my grandmother travelled all over the world doing work with the ministry, and if you ask anyone about Papa, the first thing they will tell you is he never stopped working, and the second, that he never stopped whistling. He brought a smile to everyone, strangers and family alike. He showed me what a strong, God-fearing man is, and he set the bar impossibly high for any other man in my life.

Because of my grandfather, our family is very independent and very prideful, constantly putting our faith in God. We tend to push through adversities silently because we have so much pride in what we do and how we take care of each other, but we are learning that it's okay to lean on our loved ones through hardships. Neither of my grandparents have life insurance to help cover the cost of the funeral, and any and all funds from the sale of their house and small government-based income have gone straight into the facility that protects them and takes such great care of them. As many unfortunately know, these places are far from cheap, but no price can be put on peace in knowing your loved ones are cared for. Funds have been running low and it is imperative that my grandmother remain there comfortably, so we have paid out of pocket for the funeral services. We have had an outpouring of love from our families and the church community, asking how they can help, where to send flowers, etc. We will be sending any flowers to Charter with my grandmother, but we are asking that anyone who can and wants to help, donate to help the family with the high cost of funeral services. We are hoping to meet this goal and surpass it, as any extra money will be going directly to my grandmother's account to continue living comfortably.

We trust in the Lord that he has brought his strongest soldier home, and we know that our Papa is rejoicing up there and received the warmest of welcomes. No longer in pain, no longer suffering. It is our hope that we can bring some peace to our family knowing that grandmother is being taken care of, even though her mortal protector and husband is gone from this Earth. We lost an incredible man this morning, but heaven gained an even more incredible angel. We understand that times are hard for pretty much everyone these days, but anything helps, including words of affirmation, words of love and support, and the sharing of memories and pictures. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read about my beloved grandfather, and if anything, we ask that you hold your loved ones close.

Paris Church of God of Prophecy 4088 Paris Bypass, Paris, TN 38242 

Saturday, January 13 - visitation at the church from 11-1230, followed by the service promptly at 1230. The procession will begin after the service to McRae's Chapel Cemetary where he will be laid to rest. For anyone who wants to, there will be a fellowship dinner following the graveside service to reminisce and celebrate his life.