Harold G. Allen

Harold G. Allen passed away peacefully at home, on September 3, 2010 surrounded by those he loved. He was born in Mexico, Kentucky on November 25, 1928, to Jewel E. and Myrtle A. (Loftis) Allen. Harold was a WWII veteran who joined the Navy at the age of 17 and proudly served his country for 3 years. He married Martha (Pat) Odom in 1950 and they were together until her death in 1986. Harold moved his family to Michigan in 1956. In his early years he worked at Archway Cookies, then as an automobile mechanic at various service stations in the Battle Creek area. He was employed at General Motors as a lift truck repair man from 1966 until 1991, when an industrial accident forced his early retirement. In 1987 Harold married Jean Burk and together they enjoyed many years of travel. He walked on the Great Wall of China, he zipped lined between mountains in Hawaii, and enjoyed many trips to Disney World and Las Vegas. Harold loved to play video poker and in 2003 a surprise 75th birthday trip to Las Vegas with Jean, his children, stepchildren, and their spouses was one of the highlights of his life. HG, as he was known by his friends, was a member of both the GM/UAW Local 488 and Moose Lodge 88. He was an avid golfer and played in both the GM and Moose Lodge golf leagues. For the last 15 years his passion has been heading up the UAW Local 488 Retirees Golf Tournament each September. He is survived by his wife, Jean; brother, Wilford (Lottie Jo) Allen; sister-in-law, Margie Allen, Morganfield, KY; children, Gary Steve Allen of Galesburg, Cheri (Jerry) Hough, Michelle (Bryan) Hoke of Battle Creek; stepchildren, Charles Back, Daniel (Tonya) Back, Ronald (Darcie) Back of Battle Creek, Susan Back of Portage, Thomas (Cheryl) Back of Union City; a Great granddaughter who he raised, Tiana (Brandon Clark) Tatroe of Battle Creek; 3 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 20 step-grandchildren; 11 Step-great grandchildren; 1 step-great Great Grandchild. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Martha; infant daughter, Patricia Gayle; older brother, J.O. Allen. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Road, Battle Creek. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service with Rev. Carolyn Robinson-Fisher officiating. Interment will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be donated to Borgess Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Kalamazoo, MI or Charity of One's Choice.