John Allen

John Russell Allen, 74, a proud Texas native son, passed peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2015 at his ranch near Harper, Texas. Born in Ft. Worth, his family moved to Mesa, Arizona when he was six. John was a graduate of Mesa High School, and the University of Arizona, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (S??) fraternity. Since stepping off the train in Mesa as a young child, he promised himself that he would return to Texas, the home of his heart. During the Vietnam War he served in the United States Air Force as a Captain flying KC-135 Tankers. His Air Force service ended in 1973. That was the beginning of a lifelong career in aviation. He became an underwriter with the United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG.) In 1979, he co-founded Falcon Insurance Agency in Austin, Texas which grew from a three person office to a prominent nationwide agency. John Allen served as president from its inception. Even as a toddler in Ft. Worth, he saw himself someday in the saddle. He was a passionate Texas Longhorn breeder who practiced both fundamental breeding protocols and advancing technology. He served on the board of the Texas Longhorn Heritage Foundation (TLHF), and along with his collaborative efforts as a member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA), and Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance (TLMA) allowed important traits to flourish, and ensure the grandeur of the breed. \r\n \r\nHe is survived by his wife Ursula; his daughter Deborah Abdullah, his son-in-law Henry Abdullah; his daughter Tammy Williams, his son Joe Lema; his grandsons Gaven Abdullah and Holden Abdullah who affectionately call him Papa John; his granddaughter Haley Williams, and his sister Ann Devoll.\r\n \r\nHe lived the way he dreamed. "No half measures" is a fitting description of his life. His father told him "Get up early and work hard" which is exactly what he did every day of his life. John will live forever in the hearts of his family and friends as a loyal, loving, courageous and generous man with a sly sense of humor, and a razor sharp intellect. When he gets to Heaven, if there are Longhorns and lots of pristine country with blazing sunsets, he'll know he is home.\r\n \r\nFuneral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, Texas on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services with Air Force honors will follow immediately at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas.\r\n \r\nPallbearers will be Tom Bradshaw, Phil Parrish, Barry Dowlen, Alan Sparger, Damon Clark, Joe Lema, Gaven Abdullah, Holden Abdullah and Henry Abdullah.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Peterson Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, Texas 78028.\r\n \r\n