Jerry Wayne Allen

Mr. Jerry Allen, age 82, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away Sunday, August 6th, 2023. Jerry was born on July 14, 1941, in Winterset, Iowa, the son of the late Harold and Mary Allen. Jerry graduated from Jefferson Community High School in Jefferson, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduating high school and served as a cryptologist for 20 years, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served in Adak, Alaska; Marietta, Washington; New Brunswick, Canada; Midway Island; Pensacola, Florida; Rota, Spain; Keflavik, Iceland; and the National Security Agency in Maryland. Jerry was the recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. After retiring from the military, Jerry managed three propane plants where he sold propane and propane accessories until his retirement from the propane industry. Jerry's greatest achievements were that of husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He married his first wife, Ruth Ann Hastings, in 1962. Together, they were blessed with a daughter, Kelly Ann, and a son, Kreg Charles. While the kids were growing up, Jerry enjoyed taking the family camping and exploring the local cultures and historic sites. Jerry and Ruth lived in Iowa for six years following his military retirement, then relocated to Florida, following their children who both joined the Navy and moved to Florida. After several years in Crestview, the couple moved to Lynn Haven, Florida, where Jerry lived many, many years. During his time in Lynn Haven, Jerry was an active member of Forest Park United Methodist Church where he welcomed the children with his "high fives" every Sunday morning. He also volunteered as a bell ringer for many years with the Salvation Army at the Panama City Mall, and served as a poll worker for elections. Many nieces and nephews called Jerry a favorite uncle. He was admired for how he cared for his wives, personifying "in sickness and in health." He cared for wife Ruth for 13 years through two cancer diagnoses until she lost her battle to the disease. He later married his second wife, Lari, and took care of her for 10 years following her stroke. Kelly jokes that Jerry's mother, Mary, picked both of his wives, after encouraging Ruth to write to Jerry while he was stationed in Alaska (he proposed by sending the engagement ring through the mail) and because Mary introduced her son to a friend's daughter named Lari who went on to become his second wife. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Chester "Chet" Allen, his first wife of 36 years, Ruth, and his second wife of 20 years, Lari. He is survived by a daughter Kelly Vandever (Richard), of Milton, Georgia; son Kreg Allen (Karen), of Pensacola, Florida; granddaughter Corey Parson (Eric) of Dawsonville, Georgia; grandson Zackary Vandever (Ellen) of Blairsville, Georgia; granddaughter Korey Allen of Kendallville, Indiana; great granddaughters, Nikki and October; great grandsons, Ian and Flynn, and other extended family and many friends. Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 26, at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa. Following the service, Jerry will be interred at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa, beside his two wives. Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the units to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed? But had he befriended those really in need? Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer, To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, But how many were sorry when he passed away. ~ Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023 also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Jefferson Cemetery next to his two wives Ruth Ann Hastings Allen and Lari Allen. Cemetery Details Jefferson Cemetery 0ld Lincoln Highway Jerrerson, IA Previous Events Visitation AUG 25. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Jefferson 403 North Elm Jefferson, IA 50129 (515) 386-8181 hastingsfuneral@netins.net Funeral Service AUG 26. 10:00 AM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Jefferson 403 North Elm Jefferson, IA 50129 (515) 386-8181 hastingsfuneral@netins.net