Hardy Richard “Rich” Allen, 74, of Amarillo passed away peacefully Saturday, September 26, a year to the day from beginning his journey with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which later metastasized to his nervous system.
Hardy was born in Vancouver, WA on August 4, 1946, to Ila Mae Miles and Hardy Diggs Allen. When he was still young his mother returned to the Houston area to be near her family to raise him and his older brother. He graduated from Galena Park High School and studied drafting at Kilgore Jr. College.
Hardy entered the Army in 1967 and attended Officer Candidate School, achieving the rank of Captain. He served the Corps of Engineers and spent most of his 5-year tour in Germany where his oldest son Michael was born.
In 1984, he received his Bachelors in Geology from the University of Houston. Employers included Getty Oil and Fluor Daniel, the international pipeline company. In 1992, he accepted a contract job for Fluor that brought him to Pantex. He liked the climate and transitioned to working for Battelle in early 1993, bought a house, and planned to stay. Later, in 1993, he met his future wife Linda and they married in early 1994. He retired from Pantex in 2017.
He is survived by Linda K. Allen and their son Jack of Amarillo and by sons Michael and wife Janet and their daughters Conley and Abby of Highland Village, TX; and Patrick and Rebecca and their two daughters Emma and Ella of Houston, TX. His sons and their families were deeply loved as a source of great pride.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wm. Biggs and staff for their years of care. Gratitude also to the staff at BSA and the Harrington Cancer Center, especially Dr. Zorsky and his angel nurses, Cindy and Tonya. His final days were eased by the special caregivers at Abundantly Blessed and the BSA/Hospice of the SW nurses and staff.
At Rich’s request, no service is planned. Ashes will be committed to the Columbarium at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at a later date. Please honor his memory by hugging and holding close those you love. The family suggests memorial to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 3500 Bowie, Amarillo, TX, 79109 or to a charity of your choice.
In Memoriam