Robert Allen

USMC

April 18, 1927 - September 16, 2023

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Robert Lee Allen embarked on his last flight, destination the landing strip eternal. Robert was born on April 18, 1927, in El Dorado, AR to Aden Burton (A.B.) and Clara Bell (Johnson) Allen. He is survived by his children: Michael Allen (Deanna), Mark Allen, Audrey Easley (Kelley); grandchildren: Jared Allen, Carly Easley, Jeremy Allen, Caroline Allen, and Erin Easley; and his sister, Cherry Smith. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Gabriela Pacheco Allen; his parents; and his siblings: Dorothy Sublett Seifert, A.B. Allen, Jr., and Donald Allen.

At 18, Robert joined the Marine Corps. During his 20-year military career, Robert served in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, and South America. During his postings as an Embassy Guard in Argentina and Bolivia, he met and married Gabriela. Robert eventually attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. After his military career, Robert spent several years working as an electronics technician in the oil and gas industry. This work took him all over the country and the world. Although Robert retired from working, he certainly did not retire from living life. His passion for distance running expanded to triathlons.

In his sixties, Robert decided to build and fly his own ultra-light airplane. As the years went on, and Robert's triathlon activities narrowed down to just swimming, he took on another physical pursuit - tango. Obviously, his love of South American culture never faded. He will be missed by his friends from the New Orleans area tango community, the Korean American Association of Greater New Orleans (Louisiana Korean War Veterans Association), Ama airport, Elmwood Fitness Center, the Maple Leaf, and countless others. The family would like to thank all of you for your friendship with Robert over the years. Funeral Services was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the service following at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

Robert Allen funeral service Sept.30, 2023