David Wayne Allen

David Wayne Allen was born on August 21, 1947 in Eldorado, Illinois to Ralph Wayne Allen and Gladys Lavita Rister Allen. He passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 16, 2011. He grew up on the family farm attending Ridgway schools. He graduated in 1965 and immediately joined the United States Navy serving from 1965-68. He then attended Southern Illinois University where he completed an Associate Degree in Aviation Technology. As a student he served in the Saluki Patrol attaining the rank of sergeant. Finding a love of law enforcement, he then continued work toward his B.S. degree in Administration of Justice. While finishing his degree he was hired by Sheriff John Hoffman as a Jackson County Deputy Sheriff where he also attained the rank of sergeant. During his 30 plus years at the sheriff's department, he served as a road deputy, an agent with the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, a sergeant of detectives and a sergeant over all 3 shifts. He retired December, 1999. After he retired he attained his A+ certification for computers and operated a small home computer repair business. His main occupation was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known by many names besides David but his favorites were "Daddy" from Marcia and Kristina, "Gramp" from Delaney, and "Grandpa" from Aidan. He was a member of the Murphysboro American Legion and a life member of the SIUC Alumni Association. In high school he met the love of his life, Marcia Ellen McGuire, whom he dated for 6 years and married on September 21, 1968 at St. Patrick's Church in Ponds Settlement, Illinois. Together they shared 43 years of marriage. She survives. Their daughter, Kristina Marie Allen Harrison, survives along with her husband Brian and their twins, Delaney Marie Harrison and Aidan Allen Harrison of Herrin, Illinois. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Oxford and husband Donald of Ridgway, IL, his sister-in-law Monica Daily and husband Steve of Cave-in-Rock, IL, his brother-in-law D.J. McGuire and wife Sheila of New Haven, IL, nieces; Marilyn Kanipe of Ridgway, IL, Jennifer McGuire of Harrisburg, IL and Alyssa McGuire of New Haven, IL nephews; Alan Oxford of Ridgway, IL and Steven Daily and wife Beth of Chicago, and great nieces Kimberly Kanipe of Ridgway, IL and Natalie Daily of Chicago. He is also survived by three aunts; Rosalie Rogers of Omaha, IL, Mary McGuire of Harrisburg, IL and Betty Seely of Ridgway, IL and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcia's parents and many aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be Friday, September 23, 2011at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church with Monsignor Joseph Lawler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to any of the following organizations or the donor's choice: Murphysboro Food Bank, Murphysboro Relay for Life, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Herrin, IL or St. Andrew Cornerstone Project.

David Wayne Allen

August 21, 1947 - September 16, 2011