Dr. Bem Price Allen, Jr. passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease on March 9, 2025 in Rockford, Michigan surrounded by his family. Born on June 4, 1940 in Vincennes, Indiana, Bem’s life was a tapestry of dedication, wisdom, and generosity that touched the lives of all who knew him, and he leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Bem’s early years were rooted in the love and support of his parents, Margaret Price Allen and Bem Price Allen, Sr., and his sisters, Stella Brecher and Sarah Kendall. He grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Milby High School. His parents and sister, Stella, predeceased him.

Bem’s family was his cornerstone, and he is survived by his beloved wife of nearly six decades, Paula M. Allen. Together they raised daughters Margaret E. Allen (Henry Caulkins III) and Kathleen Allen Crawford (Mark Crawford) and son Bem Price Allen III. Bem’s legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Kelly, Emma, Bem IV, Henry IV, and Joshua, as well as his sister, Sarah Kendall, brother-in-law Chuck Brecher, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

Bem’s academic journey was marked by a passion for understanding the human mind. He pursued this passion at the University of Houston, where he earned his undergraduate degree, Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Psychology. His pursuit of knowledge was relentless, and his desire to share it was just as strong.

For 37 years, Bem served as a Professor of Psychology at Western Illinois University, where his contributions were recognized repeatedly with the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award – the university’s highest honor. He also received the Western Illinois University Award for Excellence in Diversity and Multicultural Programming and was named the 1990 College of Arts and Sciences Researcher of the Year. He was a member of Sigma Xi Honors Society, a Fellow of the American Psychology Association, and active in the Society of Personality Assessment. His commitment to social justice showed through his support of the Women’s Center and other campus organizations. He was also an early and strong advocate of efforts to broaden and deepen the university’s commitment to cultural diversity, including an ongoing reevaluation of both the curriculum and classroom teaching practices. Bem enjoyed an outstanding group of colleagues. He was grateful for their encouragement, companionship and dedication to quality education.

As a Consulting Editor for the Journal of the American Psychological Association, Bem shaped the field of psychology with his critical insights. On a national level, he championed Ashley Montagu’s concept of race as a social construction rather than a genetic or biological reality. He challenged the American Psychological Association to adopt this concept, which was a major shift in how “race” was understood and studied.

He had a passion for research and his impressive body of work included 12 books, over 50 journal publications, and presentations at 60 conventions. He enjoyed intellectual pursuits, yet it was his thoughtful and generous spirit that made him a revered mentor and colleague. His greatest passion was mentoring and supporting students.

Those who knew Bem would describe him as wise, generous, and thoughtful-a man who not only sought to understand the world but also to improve it. His commitment to justice and equality led him to support Amnesty International and the National Organization for Women.

Bem’s influence will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of crossing his path. His teachings, his kindness, and his unwavering sense of justice will continue to resonate within the hearts and minds of those he touched. His family, friends, and the countless lives he enriched will carry forward his mission of enlightenment and empathy.

In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” Bem not only educated minds but also nurtured hearts, and for that, his memory will forever be cherished.

Memorial Service for Bem will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Grand Rapids, 4081 Cascade Road SE, suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Amnesty International, 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036, or ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.