Harold “Gene” Allen, 85, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Oakview Nursing and Rehab. He was born on December 25, 1935, the second of five sons born to Dwight Harol and Naomi Ruth (Anderson) Allen. He married Rose Mary Wood on November 27, 1961 and she survives.

Gene faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. He worked as a tank driver first at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and then Fort Knox, KY. Gene was a lifetime member of the American Legion and enjoyed visiting with fellow servicemen and women at the club. He was employed many years as a heavy equipment operator at Allendale Sand and Gravel Company. From the time he was a young boy, Gene loved spending his spare time fishing. He enjoyed spending time at Conservation Lake and often took his family on camping trips. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a love for his dogs. Gene and Rose Mary frequently enjoyed traveling to Vermont to visit with his Army buddy and explore the area. Gene loved his family dearly. He lived for his kids, worked hard to raise them and then he lived for his grandkids, all ten of them. Gene will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Gene leaves behind his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Rose Mary; three sons, Ricky Dale “RD” Miller, James Allen and wife Leslie, Neil Allen and wife Shelly; three daughters, Kristina Phelps and husband Rick, Teresa Blair and husband Greg, and Melody Allen; ten grandchildren, Mike Phelps and wife Kieri, Jennifer Isham and husband Ralston, Alicia Allen, Courtlyn Johnson, Kaleb Johnson, Gabriel Allen, Jacob Allen, Brianna Chase and husband Bill, Isabella Blair, Dana James Miller; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Farrell Allen and wife Glenda, John Allen and wife Norma; sister-in-law, Darlene Allen; many loved nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Allen and Tom Allen.

In keeping with Gene’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date in Bethel Cemetery.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Gene’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Allen family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com