IN LOVING MEMORY: JACK ALLEN

Jack Nelson Allen was born April 3, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas, to William (Bill) Allen and Sibyl Allen and passed away on July 17, 2025, in his home. His life was guided by a spirit of generosity; he shared his knowledge, his resources, and – most of all – his stories with his large community.

Jack graduated from Castleberry High School, where he played on the Varsity Football Team. Then he attended Tyler Junior College before bravely enlisting in the United States Navy. He served in active duty from 1964 to 1968 and then in the inactive reserve until 1970. After his Honorable Discharge, Jack entered the workforce, where he excelled at construction work and law enforcement. His proudest professional achievement was serving as Constable of Precinct 4 of Tarrant County (1997-2004). Never one to shy away from hard work, Jack also started two companies: a landscaping business and a frozen yogurt shop. No matter what he was doing, Jack gave each project his passionate attention and energy.

Jack found great joy in his retirement activities, especially driving children, as a part of the Flying Fez Unit of the Masonic Temple, from Fort Worth to the Shriner Hospitals in Houston and Galveston for medical treatment. Retirement allowed Jack’s generous spirit to thrive; he gave his time by volunteering in the church, community, and city. From feeding the hungry to transporting dogs to their forever families to visiting children as “Santa Jack,” he lived to serve, especially if there was a chance for him to tell a story or crack a joke. He was known in the neighborhood for his annual fried catfish parties honoring the city’s sanitation employees.

Jack loved to travel, especially in his motor home with his beloved wife, Nell Dahl. Jack enjoyed fishing, feeding bison in Thermopolis, Wyoming, working on the tree farms of Virginia, and watching the sun set in Lubec, Maine. He and Nell visited 75 zoos during their retirement.

Jack’s great gift of generosity sprang from his faith in Jesus Christ. A life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Jack served as youth Sunday school teacher and Board Chairman and sang in the choir. He was blessed to attend church camp as an adult leader several summers, bringing joy and laughter to children and adults alike.

Jack is survived by his wife, Nell Dahl, and his children: Rev. Dr. Judith Allen Dalton (and spouse, David), Christopher Nelson Allen, and Rev. Carolyn Drue Allen; his grandchildren: Lillian Linguist, Ray Linguist, and Charles Linguist; and many friends.