Donald Edward Allen, 80, of Irving, Texas, was unexpectedly called home to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday September 6, 2023 in Plano, Tx. He was born in Denton, Tx on September 24, 1942 to Luther Edward Allen & Winnie Lala Hayes Allen.

Don grew up in Denton. He was the son of a Denton Police officer and was no stranger to finding himself in mischief. He attended Stonewall Jackson Elementary North Ward in Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1960. He was a proud Veteran who served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967. After his military service, Don became an ASE Certified automobile mechanic. He worked for Bill Utter Ford & Dave Krause Toyota in Denton. He also worked for Turbo Refrigeration in Denton. Later, Don finished his career as a mechanic for Stanley Ford.

In his younger days, Don was an avid fisherman and fished in tournaments with the Denton Bass Club.  He also enjoyed dove hunting, camping, hot rod cars, raising hell & riding his Harley. Don lived life to the fullest; he lived his way, he lived hard and loved hard. As he got older, he enjoyed the simpler things in life like attending the DHS Class of 1960 reunions, "thrifting" & finding treasures in antique stores; keeping some for himself while sharing others as gifts. He loved dressing up to go dancing on the weekends, being the life of the party and listening to rock n'roll music, in fact, last fall for his 80th birthday, his sweetheart Rose took him to a ZZTop Concert @ Dos Equis Pavilion in Fair Park. Don was a believer and attended Hope Irving for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt Janet Ottman, & sister Clair Roark.

Don was a very proud father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Paddack & husband Jim of Krum, Tx; his son Heath Allen & wife Marcie of Sanger, Tx; two granddaughters, Brooke Sharver of Argyle,Tx and Hailey Oldaker & husband CJ of Gainesville, Tx; one grandson, Mason Allen of Sanger, Tx;  and sweetheart, Rose Phillips, with whom he very happily spent his last year and a half enjoying their life together.

Visitation will be from 5-6pm on Wednesday September 13, 2023 followed by a Celebration of Life with Pastor Dennis King of Hope Irving beginning at 6pm in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors,  2025 W University Dr., Denton, Tx.

Don requested that "sometime when around the saltwater, dump me in…I would like to join the other sailors". His final wishes will be honored by those who loved him. Don will be missed but his memory will remain forever in our hearts.