RICHARD D. ALLEN
Saginaw, formerly of Lansing and Caro
Passed away peacefully at his home in Saginaw on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the age of 71. Dick was born March 7, 1938 in Caro, the son of the late Wendell M. and Eva M. (Hall) Allen and graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps with several of his classmates. Shortly after his discharge from the Marines, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force until being discharged in 1964. He was united in marriage with the former Janet Butcher in 1960, and later married Maria Candy for a brief time. During his military service, Dick became more interested in writing and drawing pen and ink sketches for newspapers. Upon his return to Caro in 1964, Dick was hired by Rudy Petzold as a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser, a position he held until becoming editor of that publication. Over the years, Dick was passionately involved in efforts that touched the lives of people. He was a charter member of the Help Line crisis intervention program, a charter member of the Tuscola County Community Mental Health Services Board, was instrumental in establishing the Tuscola Players Theatre and was involved with the Caro Arts Society for more than 30 years. Dick was a former member of the Caro Jaycees and was one of the developers of the Thumb Meet of Champions Track & Field Event. He was a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 226 F. & A.M. and Chapter No. 96, Royal Arch Masons of Caro. In May of 1982, Dick announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for the Michigan House of Representatives seat, vacated by the then retiring Rep. Loren Armbruster of Caro. Dick won the election and began a 12 year career in the State House, retiring in 1995. For the next several years, Dick joined the Knight Consulting firm in Lansing as a lobbyist and wrote a newsletter for the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. During his free time, he enjoyed the quiet moments that writing offered, fishing, sketching in pen and ink, acting in local theater productions and watching a good movie. Dick is survived by his sons, David Allen of Mayville and Brian and Christa Allen of Saginaw; five grandchildren, Amanda, Bradley, Addison, Mikayla and Amaya Allen; two sisters and one brother, Carolyn and Gary Abke of California, Jim and Cathy Allen of Georgia, MaryLee and Larry Brown of Ohio and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Allen. A visitation period was held on Tuesday, June 23 at Ransford Funeral Home in Caro from 4-8 p.m. Following the visitation, cremation took place and a Celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 at Ransford Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Joy Fletcher of the Unity Church of Flint officiating. Memorials may be made to the Christian Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 26507 in Richmond, VA 23261-6507. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.ransfordfuneralhome.com.