Jack Allen

Jack E. Allen, 82, was a former resident of Decatur, Illinois, but had lived in Fort Myers, Florida for several years. He entered into rest on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Healthpark Medical Center due to leukemia complications. Jack was born on September 28, 1934 in Decatur, Illinois, to Chester and Mildred Allen. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Damato from 1952-1954 and was proud to be a “Tin Can Sailor.” On November 13, 1954, he married Sally J. Bradshaw. She preceded him in death on March 5, 1999. Jack had a long career and retired as a maintenance supervisor with Caterpillar Tractor in Decatur, Illinois. He married Florence M. Smith in 2002. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and shipmates. Survivors include: his wife, Florence; his children, Londa Upshaw (Neil) of Byron, GA, Stacey Rucker (Dennis) of Augusta, GA, and Brad Allen (Nicole) of Decatur, IL; his stepchildren, Jim Smith (Charity) of Greenville, SC, Debbie Errante (Ron) of Clarks Summit, PA, Sherry Smith of Chicago, IL, Randy Smith (Sandra) of Spring Valley, OH, and Kelly Smith of Clarks Summit, PA. He has 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held in Jack’s memory at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home at 2827 N. Oakland Avenue in Decatur from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2017. Burial will follow at Macon County Memorial Park in Harristown. Casual attire is requested. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. "
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