Dennis Jerone Allen

Dennis Jerone Allen, a prominent fixture and celebrated friend of the Arkansas State Parks went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. The Curtis, Arkansas native was 60 years old. His legendary work ethic and relentless drive proved instrumental in his living an extraordinary life.

Dennis was born in Gurdon, Arkansas on Friday, May 2, 1958. He was the oldest child born to Walter J. and Ruby Allen. Dennis was a loving and curious boy who loved the outdoors. He was a 1976 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. He furthered his education at Henderson State University and was a member of the  Brotherhood. It came as no surprise that he would earn a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Tourism.  

His career with the Arkansas State Parks started in 1985 and spanned the next 34 years. His first position in State Parks was as a Park Trainee from 1985-1986. He then transferred to Queen Wilhelmina State Park as the Lodge Manager (December 1986 – February 1989). After which, he then transferred to DeGray Lake Resort State Park as the Assistant Lodge Manager (December 1987-February 1989) and then Lodge Manger (February 1989-June 1992). After his time at DeGray, he then moved to Moro Bay and served as the Park Interpreter (June 1992 – May 2005). In May of 2005, Dennis left Moro Bay to become the Assistant Superintendent at Millwood State Park. He also served many years as a Medical Instructor teaching CPR/First Aid and 1st Responder Classes for the department. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to any park, guest or friend in need. He was a constant fixture at several of the department’s special events, programs, and living history events of the years.

He met the beautiful and soft-spoken June Bailey, and their love blossomed into marriage. They were married on Monday, January 1, 1990.  Their union was blessed with three children, Whitney, Jasmine and Cederick. Dennis was a doting father and loving grandfather. He was a supportive brother and caring uncle.

As a man who loved the Lord, he attended Eastern Star Baptist Church and Mt. Canaan Baptist Church both in Gurdon, as well as, Crossway Church of Texarkana. Naturally an outdoorsman, he loved plants and fishing. He savored in nature and enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered. He was a great cook and enjoyed listening to music. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, who was always heard from the room over cheering and calling the game. He was a Storyteller and historian. As an actor with “Voices of the Past” he performed living history and historical re-enactments.  His magnetic personality drew people to him from all walks of life. Truly Dennis lived the life he loved, and loved the life he lived.

Besides his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his sister, Venessa Allen.

Those left to relish his love and memories include: his wife, June Allen of Ashdown, AR; three children, Whitney E. Allen, Jasmine D, Allen and Cederick J. Allen all of Texarkana, AR; four grandchildren, Ian X. Childs, Christian A. Douglas, Brennan G. Smith and Addison L. Allen all of Texarkana, AR; three sisters, Glynis (Lonnie) Lacy of Gurdon, AR, Tywanna Allen of Arkadelphia and Carolyn Jackson of Portland, OE; an aunt, Bertha Holliman of Gurdon, AR and an uncle, Henry (Willa “Penny”) Hawthorne of Vallejo, CA; his father and mother-in-law, Eddie and Linda Bailey of Gurdon, AR; and his brother and sister-in-laws. He leaves nieces, nephews, other relatives; his best friends, Herman “Nate” Leeper, Ocie Hunter and Ornette Grind, and countless friends.

The name Dennis Allen was synonymous with drive and compassion. His name lives on in the lives of those whom he touched and the hearts of those whom he loved. May he find unending joy and complete restoration at home with the Lord. 

At his request the family has planned public viewing for family and friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. There are no funeral services scheduled. 

The family of the late Dennis Allen, wishes to express sincere appreciation to everyone for the prayers, phone calls, text messages, encouraging visits, cards, floral arrangements and many other acts of kindness shown during our time of bereavement. May God continue to bless each of you for your thoughtfulness. We solicit your continued prayers as we move on with our lives waiting to see Dennis again.