Clark Allen

Clark Allen, Sr., age 96, of Elizabethtown died June 22, 2010 of a problem we all dread but would all hope to develop-old age. He was born on a farm near Elizabethtown on February 13, 1914 and lived most of his 96 years there. His only time away from Bladen County was for two years at a junior college, and brief excursions for visits and vacations. He was always eager to get back to family, friends, and farm.



Mr. Allen was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Esther, with whom he had a long and happy marriage as they raised their three children.



Mr. Allen leaves behind his long-time beloved companion Rebecca Barber. He is also survived by his three children and their families: Clark Allen, Jr. and Sara (Sally) of Durham, and their children David, Michael, Andy, and Julia; Giles Allen and Lorry of Wilmington, and their children Ian and Katy; and, Susan Allen Goldman and Neil of Great Falls, Va., and their children Maggie and Jake. His sole living sibling is Eugenia Cross of Elizabethtown. He has numerous surviving nieces and nephews.



Clark Allen was a leader by example. As a father he was always there. He enjoyed working hard to support his family. He loved his church. He was prideful of his honesty and hard work. His had hobbies but his favorite activity was finding someone to share some conversation, a story or a joke. Mr. Allen was blessed with a long life of good health. At age of ninety-two he could still be found driving around the county visiting what was left of his old friends and looking for new ones. He would often lament, "I don't know what is happening around here. People seem to be dying who have never died before."



Mr. Allen was also predeceased by his parents R. T. Allen and Ella Clark Allen, brothers Raymond and Radford, and sisters Grace, Doris, and Calista and lots of friends. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.



The family will receive friends and visitors on Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 4 pm at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jim Bartlett officiating.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to either Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 407 Munroe Road, Council, NC 28434 or the Amyolateral Sclerosis Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104.