Robert Paul Allen

We have lost yet another of our fallon hero's last week. Retired Lieutenant Commander of the U.S. Navy, Robert Paul Allen of Goose Creek, S.C. Bob began his journey to Heaven October 28th, 2016 in the early morning, peacefully in his home of natural causes. He was born 96 years ago on August 29th, 1920 in Princeton, Indiana. He celebrated & cherished every single birthday, as if he was a young boy again. Bob was born in Princeton, Indiana to his parents Joseph Allen and Iva Jane Hamer. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Laura Alice Parmenter January 3rd, 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia. Surviving are Bob & Laura's 2 sons, Michael "Mike" Allen, (Barbara Jo), and James "Jim" Allen, (Jolene,) both of Florida. Grandson Mark Allen, (Carly,) of N.C. One great grandson, Casey Ruggieri, (Florida,) and three great-great granddaughters, Abigail, Stella, and Joni of N.C. His spouse, Debra, of 5 1/2 years was also his friend, companion, and always there for him and made sure the Commanders demands were met, and of course, they were! Bob had several nieces and nephews in Indiana & Florida whom he always kept in touch with through the years, including many family reunions. Bob loved life, and loved his family and never seemed to have a problem or worry in the world. He always had many Navy stories to tell and tried to recruit anybody that would listen. He always called it a, "One way conversation," as his hearing loss, (from the military,) prevented him from hearing most who spoke to him. Robert is predeceased by the love of his life & wife of 65 years, Laura Parmenter Allen, and his granddaughter Jennifer Allen Ruggieri-Stepp. Bob graduated high school in 1938 when he was 17 from Princeton High in Indiana. On January 28th, 1938 he joined the Navy, and because of being still 17, he had to get permission from his mother. He retired from the Navy in 1959 at 38 years old, as a Lieutenant Commander, because he wanted to spend more time with his young family. He then spent 4 years at Cape Canaveral with the Civil Service. Bob then put in his next 20 years at Lockheed, and retired at the young age of 62. Bob lived each day to its' fullest. The little things meant alot, such as planning breakfast every morning, along with the morning paper, then the sudoku puzzle. And then there's the many hobbies including, but not limited to: visiting family, playing cards and chess, watching Gunsmoke & other westerns and (old) black & white movies. And of course, traveling in the RV with Laura, golfing, swing dancing, card parties, tinkering with automobiles, reading, anything Navy, and most of all, being there for his wife and sons and thoroughly enjoyed being a dad and a granddad, and a great granddad of 4. Bob had a wonderful fulfilled career and personal life. He also enjoyed being a member of many associations, including, "The Fleet Reserve," "The American Legion," Post 166, "MOAA" (Military Officers Assc. of America,) and "The Tin Can Sailors," (The National Association of Destroyer Veterans.) Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 9th at James A. Dyal Funeral Home in Summerville, SC at 303 S. Main St. Viewing is 9:00 am until 10:00 am with service immediately following. Burial will be at the Beaufort VA National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Please come join us at the Allen home in Goose Creek for a celebration of his life Wednesday, between 4 & 6 pm for food, drink and wonderful memories of a remarkable and memorable man, jolly ole Bob Allen! Don't forget your veterans and those who serve or have served. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Robert Paul Allen

August 29, 1920 - October 28, 2016