J.W. Allen

J.W. Allen, age 88, passed away on February 22, 2024. He was born on May 27, 1935 in Troy, Alabama to the late Clara Mae (Woods) and J.C. Allen. The family moved to Massillon when he was six years old.

J.W. retired from Republic Steel after 41 years, and then went on to work for Hertz Rental for over 23 years. He was a veteran of the Unites States Marine Corps. Those who knew him would often hear him say a few common phrases in Japanese from when he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

As an avid sports fan, you could always find J.W. at a Massillon Tiger football game on Friday night, or watching the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, or Cavs throughout the week. He played softball for many years, and later umpired until the age of 82. He often shared the field with his sons and grandsons. J.W. had a young spirit, was full of life, and believed in staying active.

He and Paula would visit Golden Corral every Wednesday and have lunch with several friends along with good conversation. This was something he truly enjoyed. He loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Nia.

In addition to his parents, J.W. was preceded in death by his step-mother Clara Allen; sisters Clara (Irene) Jackson, Classie Roland, and Beulah Richards; and brother M.C. Allen.

Left to cherish his memory, is wife Paula; children, Michelle Renee Allen, Jerold Allen, Curt Allen, and Kristin (Murray) Hooten; step-children, Chicola Whitfield, Monte Hankison, and Corey Gibson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including lifelong friends Doris Blount, Robert and Stella Redvine, and Charles Sallis.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Services will begin at 1:00pm, with Rev. Walter J. Arrington officiating.

Burial in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.