Gene Benjamin Allen, 82, was born in Emporia on April 5, 1943, and went to be with his Lord on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the son of the late Thomas Eugene Allen and Annie Wendell Allen. He was also predeceased by his brother, Tom Allen, and his cherished niece, Robin Allen Floyd.
Gene was a beloved husband, proud and adoring father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife and soul mate of 61 years, Marilyn Ondich Allen; his son, Kendall Allen (Shannon); daughter, Kelli Ramirez (Jeff) and five grandchildren, Caitlyn Allen (Nathan), Joshua Allen (Bella), Jacob Allen, Benjamin Ramirez and Scarlett Ramirez. He is survived by his brother and sidekick, Lofton, Lofton’s wife, Odelle; nieces, Debbie Talley and Terri Hendley and their families as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and our special family friend, Tracy Allen. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Donna Neatrour (Jim), who cared for him until he took his last breath; brother-in-law, Wayne Ondich (Nancy), who always loved and supported us, and their families. Gene’s family was his greatest pride and joy. He did all he could to care for and help them in every way possible, teach them how to live a good life and always “make good decisions”.
Gene was a longtime and faithful member of Monumental United Methodist Church where he served as head usher, finance chairman and a member of several committees.
He was a past member of the Greensville Ruritan Club and Emporia Jaycees, serving as president of both organizations.
He worked in the local telephone industry for 28 years, retiring as a transmissions engineer for Verizon, a job which was a perfect fit for him. After his retirement in 1993, he went to work as an owner/manager at Simmons Terminal Restaurant and then Bojangles’ in Emporia.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Monumental United Methodist Church in Emporia on April 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. where Pastor Hannah Lee, who was very special to Gene, will conduct the service.
The family would like to thank the Emergency Room staff at Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia and Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital Neurosurgery ICU for their exceptional care. Also, thank you to our friends and the Southside Emmaus Community for their prayers, love and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gene to Monumental United Methodist Church, 300 Southampton Street, Emporia, Virginia 23847.
Echols Funeral Home in Emporia is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Gene Benjamin Allen, visit the Tribute Store.
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Service
27
Apr
300 Southampton Street
Emporia, VA 23847
