Buddy R Allen

Shawnee resident Buddy R. Allen, 85, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Monday, January 27, 2020 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Tiffany A. Nagel Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Buddy was born September 19, 1934 in Caddo, Oklahoma to Dewey and Jewel Allen. He graduated from Caddo High School, earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Southeastern State University, and post graduate work at The University of Oklahoma. He married Margaret Beth (Walker) on January 18, 1958. They renewed their wedding vows last Saturday, January 18 in his hospital room. Mr. Allen started his teaching career in Taloga in 1955. He also taught in Davis and Velma-Alma, before coming to Shawnee as high school band director in 1968.

Buddy received Stephens County Teacher of the Year in 1966. After retiring from Shawnee Public Schools he began the band program at Pleasant Grove where he completed his 53 year tenure in education. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1978, where he was a charter member, serving as president that same year.

Buddy also owned and operated Allen’s Music Repair business, even repairing a flute while in the hospital the day before surgery. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where he served in many ways. He was a member of Methodist Men and taught the Seekers Sunday School Class for over 20 years.

He enjoyed fishing, quail hunting, golfing, baking bread, woodworking, OU sports, and the OKC Thunder.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Jimmy, two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dortha and Billy Mitchell, and Joy and James Joslin.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Beth Allen of the home; 3 daughters, Terri Beth Harp and husband David of Shawnee, Sheril Lynn Payne and husband Tolly of Shawnee, Kristi Dawn Heilaman and husband Allen of Shawnee; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Ward and husband Tyler of Oklahoma City, Courtney Mankin and husband Hunter of Oklahoma City, Taylor Harp of Oklahoma City, Lauren Simpson and husband Robert of Shawnee, Maggie Engels and husband James of Dallas, TX, Ryan Carter of Oklahoma City, Kelsey Carter of Cincinnati, OH; 4 great-grandchildren, Bentley and Baylor Simpson, Miller Mankin and Halle Ward; 1 brother, Ray Allen and wife Melody of Arlington, TX, brother-in-law, Arnold Walker of Durant, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and caregivers of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital North, Integris Baptist Hospital, Mercy Rehab Hospital, Colonial Skilled Nursing, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital Shawnee, and Heartland Hospice. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Shawnee, OK.