December 30, 1930-February 15, 2021
Donald Allen Jr. passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021 at the age of 90. He lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa for more than 40 years before moving to the Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida area in 1973. He is preceded in death by his son, David Allen, mother, Adelaide Price Allen, and father, Donald Allen. He leaves behind his loving wife, Nadine Allen; his brother Paul Allen (Arma Jo Allen), his children Patricia Oneil, Michael Allen (Vickie Allen), and Teresa Allen, his grandchildren, Jenna Beaty, James Oneil, Maria Carter-Giannini, David Giannini, Christopher Allen, Timothy Allen, twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Don was born and raised in Council Bluffs Iowa. He attended Dodge and Bloomer Schools and Abraham Lincoln high school where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Nadine. He began his career in construction as an apprentice carpenter and learned every aspect of the construction trade. Over the next 50 years he would be part owner of two companies; the first with his brother Paul Allen, Allen Brothers Construction in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the second with Billy Pullman, Associated Interior Systems, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. His only hobby was helping his friends and neighbors with construction projects.
Don grew up during the Great Depression and its imprint would alway be a guiding force on his work ethic and financial decisions. He believed strongly in honesty, hard work, and responsibility and passed those virtues onto his children and grandchildren. He had a deep love for God, his country, and his family. He fell in love with and married, Nadine Weatherill, his high school sweetheart, in 1950. They celebrated 70 years of that union this past July. Their life together was never dull. They moved to Texas for a short time in 1951 where Patricia was born. There was a second move to Arkansas in 1960 and by that time Michael, Teresa, and David had joined the family. Donald was proud of his children and the adults they became. Although there would be many bumps in the road, he always believed the most difficult had been losing his son David, in childhood.
Don created many lasting relationships in his work life. He was well known for his constant strive for perfection. Anyone in business with Don knew that you would be called on to give your personal best; nothing else would be accepted. He will be greatly missed by his partners and peers who became friends. Don was a mentor to many.
After his retirement in 1995, he and Nadine enjoyed many years together. They traveled the United States as well as England, Australia, and a cruise to the Baltic countries. They shared a great love of southwest design and created a showplace in Parrish, Florida. Their home, planned and constructed by Don (with a little help from his friends and family) is a southwest design, filled with memorabilia and artifacts from New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado,
The family would like to thank the great outpouring of support they received through Don's illness and passing. A Celebration of Life will take place at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton, Florida at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 (941-552-7546).
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