Melvin Allen

Melvin “Red” Allen went to be with Jesus on January 6, 2022.  He was born in Aline on February 4, 1927, the son of Herb and Nellie Chase Allen.  His family moved to Ringwood when he was 16.  At the age of 17, Red joined the U.S. Navy to help with the American efforts during WWII, serving in the Pacific Theater aboard CVE-82, USS Saginaw Bay.  After the war he returned home to Ringwood and finished high school.

Red was an outstanding athlete who excelled in tennis, basketball, baseball, and track.  On September 17, 1948 he married the love of his life, Ula “Tudie” Koons.  They enjoyed life to the fullest as they traveled to every state in the union and made three trips to Germany over their lifetime.  From this union came a daughter, Sandra and a son, Jackey.  He also raised his nephew, Dewey Holdeman, like a son.

Red joined the Masonic Lodge and was a very active Mason for many years.  He was heavily involved in the establishment of the Masonic Lodge in Ringwood where he ws a charter member.  He was also a member of Fairview Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and Ames American Legion.  Red served in every position in local lodges; but is probably most known for performing the duties of Chaplain for many years.  He was also a member of Ringwood Presbyterian Church.

Red is preceded in death by his wife, Ula Allen; his parents, Herb and Nellie Allen; four sisters, and son-in-law, Leonard Webber.

He is survived by his children, Sandra Webber and Jack Allen and wife, Irene, all of Ringwood; nephew, Dewey Holdeman and wife, Glenda of Ft. Supply; grandchildren, Chad Webber, Devin Webber, Leland Webber and wife, Suelynn, all of Ringwood, Gretchen Siler and husband, Bryan of Enid, Heidi Haines and husband, Brandon of Boyd, Texas, James Allen of Ringwood, Don Holdeman and wife, Diane, Debbie Day, and Dana Harper; great-grandchildren, Alli King and husband, Dayton, Ethan Siler and wife, Kaleigh, Matthias and Max Siler, Averi and Blake Haines, Ashtyn and Lainey Allen, Kaleb and Dillon Evans, Shiann and Kyle Goldman; great-great-grandchildren, Mila and Jovi King; many, many nieces and nephews.  He was very proud of the fact that he had two more great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Celebration of Life Service for Melvin “Red” Allen will be Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Fairview.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery south of Ringwood.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena.  Viewing will be at the funeral home in Helena on Wednesday 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to Glenwood Cemetery or Ringwood Masonic Lodge through the funeral home.