Thomas P. “Tom” Allen, 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020 in the comforts of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 7, 1938 in Mount Carmel, the third of five sons born to Dwight Harold and Naomi Ruth (Anderson) Allen. He married Darlene Bump on October 31,1959 and she survives.
Tom was employed in the LP Gas delivery service. He and Darlene owned and operated Bumps LP Gas Service for several years and then sold the business to Nu-Gas Inc. Tom continued to work part time as a delivery driver for the Nu-Gas company until his retirement. Tom enjoyed helping Darlene in her daycare business. He loved kids and watching them grow and develop. In his earlier years, Tom was involved in antique car shows. He liked to restore street rods and his pride and joy was his “Ramblin Rose”, a 1946 Plymouth that he and Darlene drove to many shows and won several awards. Tom was a loving, giving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed having them all together as often as possible. He loved to laugh and joke with his friends and family. Tom enjoyed time spent outdoors in his yard and at his “Happy Place” at Conservation Lake where he and Darlene spent a lot of their days camping. Tom was a good friend to many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Tom leaves behind his loving wife of sixty years, Darlene; daughters, Tammy (Brad Arhelger) Lang, Stephanie (Bub) Banks; grandchildren, Johnny Joe (Josie Lewis) Lang, Mandy Lang, Lacie (Jason) Perry, Shaleigha (Keith Kline) Banks, Tori Frailey, Thomas Allen III and Zachary Allen; four great-grandchildren, Hailey Lang, Kolton Lang , Dalton Lang and Preston Perry; brothers Farrell (Glenda) Allen, Gene (Rosemary) Allen, John (Norma) Allen; his furry side-kick, Charles Wilson and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their uncle Tom.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas Allen II; and one brother, Jack Allen.
Family and their closest friends will gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. In order to limit possible exposure to illness, the family will welcome cards mailed to them in care of Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863, from others wishing to express their condolences.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Brother Brandon Hodgson officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Gospel Kingdom Church or the Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Tom’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Allen family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
