Edgar J. Allen
February 28, 1922 - December 19, 2008
Obituary
Edgar J. Allen was born during a snowstorm in a Kansas farmhouse on February 28, 1922 and closed his eyes to this world, into the arms of God, during a snowstorm in Burien, on December 19, 2008.
Ed joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and received his ‘wings’ in December 1943. During WWII he piloted a B24 in England, meeting Thelma, the love of his life, and eventually marrying her in 1948 – recently celebrating 60 years together. After leaving the Air Force in 1953 he worked for Hughes Aircraft and Boeing, retiring in 1984, and then worked at the Kingdome and Safeco Field selling Mariner tickets until 2007.
In 2002 he wrote a book on his WWII experiences, which brought him great joy meeting people from all over the world who purchased it, especially at The Museum of Flight. Ed and Thelma traveled around the U.S. and Europe, enjoying many Air Force reunions.
Edgar loved his family without reservation and was an honorable, unselfish man of many talents. Loved by many, he truly was a member of The Greatest Generation!
He is survived by his wife Thelma; children Gary/Marilyn, Linda/Dan and Mark/Kathy; grandchildren Shannon, Stephen, Bryce, Jordan, David & Bradley; brothers Merril & Herb; sisters Dorothy & Frances and their families.
Services will be on Jan 10th – 11:00am at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15003-14th SW, Burien, WA. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Remembrances to Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, Museum of Flight or charity of your choice.
I am so sorry to hear about your family’s and our loss of Ed. He was a wonderful man and we loved working with him at the Kingdome. He was such fun and always a positive and happy person.
Thelma and family
It is with a heavy heart we send our deepest sympathy for a truly great American! My dad was a crew member of that special group …. I was fortunate enough to meet Ed, Thelma & other crew members in the 90’s as I attended re-unions of the 43-K with my mom and later with John. My dad, sadly, was unable to attend any of the re-unions. It was during these times, that I heard the stories from the other crew members and learned of the utmost respect, appreciation and undying love they all felt for their ‘great commander’ who had brought them all safely home. Ed will be truly missed and all our prayers are with you at this time. Cherish all your memories. I’m sure Ed is through those Pearly Gates, taking controls once again of that big, beautiful B-24.
Rest in peace.
Marjorie Reese & John Gray
Edgar Allen was an amazing volunteer and humanitarian. He loving donated his time and skills to the children of Madrona ES with his wife, Thelma on a regular basis. If he wasn’t flipping burgers at the annual BBQ, you might find him on a field trip spreading his wisdom and kindness to kids. Once he was even the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic adult at the Museum of Flight with our 5th graders, telling real stories and flying the simulators. He was always in attendance at family nights to sell t-shirts or welcome families to the event. He also faithfully helped to make sure that all the children’s vision and hearing screenings were quickly and happily done. Ed Allen was a true example of love, kindness and generosity for the children, staff and families of Madrona ES. We love him and will miss him tremendously.
To Thelma and all the Allen family:
Our 6th Ave SW street is in deep mourning over the loss of Ed. We were blessed with his special knock and big smile, as he brought us blueberries or tidbits of information. Mother Teresa, who cared for the poor, said, “I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?” Ed knew and cared for everyone in our neighborhood. He didn’t say a bad word about anyone but was a loving peacemaker and a model for all of us.
Lovingly, Bette and Doug McCullom.
Having met Ed only on a couple of occasions, I know him better through the character of his son, Mark, and his family. I admire Ed for his love of his family, and his character that lives on in that family. I thank Ed for his service to country, and appreciate that he shared his military experience in his book, and kept that experience alive by wearing his flight jacket and hat when he was visiting vintage airplane shows.
To Ed’s family, we express our sincere condolences, and pray the memories of him will comfort you, keep him alive in your hearts, and make you smile frequently. The physical being is gone, but the man lives on in you.
Condolences from Bill and Deloris Swartz
Bloomington, Minnesota
Our thoughts are with you, and you are in our prayers. From the Dodoye-Alali Family
On behalf of the Rohrbach family, our condolences to you. We lost two good souls from this world with the passing of Ed and our Doris. Our regrets that our two services overlapped but we will be thinking of Ed as well tomorrow.
Our deepest sympathy to Thelma and the Allen family. I only met Ed once but quickly realized that he was a really outstanding guy. I had heard plenty of “memories” from my father, and came to realize that thanks to Ed’s skill at piloting, he was able to safely return our loved ones who flew with him. For that we are all truely thankful, and feel honored to have known such a great guy.
Ed, thanks for being you!!!
Our deepest sympathy to Thelma, Gary, Marilyn and family. I enjoyed reading Edgar’s “Pilot from the Prairie”, which he signed for me. Edgar spent some WW11 leave in my place of birth, Bournemouth. I shall miss talking with him every summer at the Museum of Flight when the Blue Angels come to Seattle and visiting his WW11 display. Bob and Pat Rogerson.
I have always been greatful for having the Allen family as part of my young memories and will carry warm memories of Ed in my heart forever. He and my dad were two of the best story tellers I’ve ever know and I still talk of the ‘family’ dinners when they shared their military services tales. Thelma you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know your strong family will be there to give you all the love and support you need – after all they learned that from you and Ed.
Had the pleasure to meet Edgar at the Museum of Flight this summer for my first and only time, and have him sign his wonderful book. I was impressed by his friendly demeanor, sharpness of mind and presence, and his brilliant and welcoming eyes. I wish I had the opportunity to know him better. I am sure he is missed by those that knew him, and wish you all well. Keep him in your heart always. I thank him for his service to this country.
Dear Allen family,
I worked with Ed at the Kingdome. He was one of the kindest, intelligent, good natured man I have known.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Julie Lotz
I only met Gary’s dad once but read his book and enjoyed learning more about him and his joy in flying and his family. Bill has related to me what he saw in him – a wonderful Dad and husband and a person to be admired. I’m sure the family is comforted in knowing he had such a full and satisfying life. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Bill and Wendy Braicks
Aunt Thelma and immediate family,
I will always remember Uncle Ed as the physical reminder to me where I came from and how I got to be the person that I have become. To the immediate family I offer our deepest condolences and comfort that there was truly a life well lived in the person of Edgar Allen.
He will be missed!!!
I worked with Ed a few times for FGI. One day we were working in the NE box office. I don’t think we sold more than a couple of tickets from that location. It gave me a chance to get to know Ed. He was a very interesting individual. I bought his book and enjoyed it very much.
My best to his family. Remember him with fond memories.
Ed Allen was Pilot and Commander of our WWII Heavy Bomber Crew. He performed both functions with outstanding technical skill and compassion. On one occasion, guiding the airplane with precision in response to demands of the bombsight, 21,500 feet over the target, earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. Another time, flying the bomber leading a squadron through smoke screens, at 150 feet, dropping supplies to infantry, earned the gratitude of an Airborne trooper on the ground, expressed many years later. Knowing that Ed was in the Pilot seat was an immense morale boost for the all of the Crew allowing them to concentrate on their own respective parts of getting the job done. It wasn’t all just flying. Ed helped his Crew when they needed help, played Pinochle fearlessly, and talked to a girl in Piccadilly. Originally, the Crew was ten. Forty-eight years later, Ed found that there were six. One of the six has since passed away; and now we are four; but the Commander is gone and that void cannot be bridged. It doesn’t seem like there is a Crew anymore.
Dear Allen Family,
We wanted to share our deepest sympathy with each of you in the loss of Ed. While our sadness is huge and our hearts are so heavy, we can’t help but cherish the memories of the incredibly kind, funny, loving, man he was.
From the moment our daughter Kylie was born, both Ed and Thelma treated her as their grandchild. Kylie affectionately called him her Papa Ed, too, just like the other grandchildren and Papa Ed remembered her with flowers and candy on Valentine’s Days, treats for every holiday and birthday, making her feel very, very special.
Our relationship with Ed grew much deeper as we began the task of rebuilding our home. On a regular basis Ed would stop to review the work as it progressed and he always seemed to notice the odd circumstances we were facing on any given day. He quickly earned the coveted title of “The Inspector”. In the worst of conditions, which seemed to last an eternity to us, he would climb the ladder to the 2nd floor and begin his routine. He was always kind, supportive, and gentlemenly in his approach yet inquisitive until he understood what we were doing and why. When he was satisfied and decending the ladder, he often remarked, “Good job! – Carry on!” We looked forward to his inspections immensely and missed him on the days he was not there.
Ed was a wonderful human being who shared his life, his stories, and his talents with so many especially here on “6th Avenue!” He is already greatly missed. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but we say our memories are priceless!! It was an honor to know and be loved by him.
Our circle of friends and family is saddened by this dear man’s passing but the world is a better place because of Ed Allen. My family’s lives have been enriched by the friendship of Ed and Thelma, we have loved them both deeply. Losing my husband Gil and a dear and wonderful friend like Ed in the same year is very painful but thankfully God is wrapping His arms around all of us which will enable us to smile again. We release you in love and peace, Ed.
I had several meetings with “Mr Allen” while Mark and I were in High School. Some of these ocasions may have given Ed reason for concern. However, I always remeber him as gracious and loving. The kind of person Mark turned out to be is an indication of the kind of person Ed was. He will be missed and remebered. My condolences to Thelma and the family.
az
He will truly be missed here at Qwest Field. Even though he has not worked here for a year or two Ed was always a very popular member of our staff and we always looked forward to his time with us. He will be missed.
I will miss Ed. His book was great and I read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. He signed copies of it for my Father and brother so I could give them to them at Christmas. I worked with Ed at the Kingdone and then over at Safeco. My thoughts and prayers goes to his wife Thelma and family. You had a great husband, father and grandfather. Cherish your memories.
Cathy Betts
I am so sorry to learn of Ed’s passing. I worked with him at Safeco and Qwest Field and greatly enjoyed his interesting ‘life’ stories and learning about the details of his many projects, including his beautiful woodworking. He also shared the fruits of his garden and many appreciated his green thumb. It was obvious how much he loved his family and how proud he was of his children. I consider it an honor to have known him.
Ed was a great guy that I enjoyed talking to at the Kinghdome advance ticket sales window about WWII and his missions over Europe. He was a real hero and fine gentleman. He shared his research and resulting memoirs about the war years with me and other stadium staff and I was always fascinated with his stories about life as a pilot. I recall when he was able to again fly in a vintage B-24, or B-17, several years ago from Boeing Field.
It is sad when family, friends, and this country loses a man like Ed but our fond memories will keep him in our hearts and minds always.
Though he will be missed by so many who have loved him, Ed will always be remembered for his quiet, gentle spirit and warm friendly presence. The moment of prayer we shared some years ago will always remind me of our bond in the Lord and serves to remind us all of the eternal hope we have in Jesus!
Uncle Edgar holds a special place in our hearts. He bridged a family gap that was not within his power to prevent, but with caring and a strong sense of family he united. He shined as a beacon of hope and peace rich in kindness, perserverance, forgiveness and love. His absence will be felt and our hearts are saddened. To his closeset family we send our deepest condolences and our prayers. God Bless you all.
My deepest sympathy to Thelma and the Allen family. Ed was a great guy and will be missed!
God Bless you all.
So long, Ed. I have enjoyed knowing you and our friendship through the 43-K Aviation Cadet Association. We appreciate your serving on the Board. You will be missed by many.
I was in the same Army Air Force Class 43K with Ed. I will remember him as a gentleman and a good friend. Our country USA is in debt to men like Ed. Tom S.
Mark,
Thanks for sharing your father’s passing and something of his history with me. I do appreciate the man he must have been to have such fine man as you for a son. I too lost my father, and its been sometime, but I still reflect almost daily on a lesson or word of encourage he left for me. I am sure your dad will always be with you – God Bless you and your family – Bryan C
I always enjoyed seeing Ed at the Cascade Warbird meetings and visiting with him. He always had time to chat a bit while he sold his books at MOF. He would always take the time to answer the questions of old and young alike. I will miss this really nice guy.
Ed & I graduated from flying school in the same class of 43K but did not become acquainted till serving on the 43K pilot class board together since 1993. We became close friends during our times at the many reunions, and I know that I can speak for a great many pilots in our association who will miss him greatly. Ed was a prince of a man and was a fine addition to our group. He wrote a fine book, Pilot From the Prairie, and I shall read it again to refresh my memories of his fine flying record in WWII piloting a B-24 over Germany from the 8th Air Force. Farewell good frind, may your last flight be one of great joy and heavenly rewards. Hal & Madeline Jacobs
A good soul and fine gentleman has moved on to Heaven where he has been welcomed by his Savior..
We are going to miss you for awhile Ed.
Regards
Greg Pierce
President, 8th Air Force – WA
We are so sorry to hear that Ed has taken his final Flight West. His book, “Pilot From The Prairie” was shared with Andrea’s Father who was a C-46 Pilot during WW II in the European Theater. He was looking forward to meeting Ed but now they will “Join Up” during their Flights Westbound. It was such a delight to see Ed with his friendly smile, and the feeling that he truly cared about what you were saying. Our Prayers are with the Family.
We are so sorry to hear that Ed has taken his final Flight West. His book, “Pilot From The Prairie” was shared with Andrea’s Father who was a C-46 Pilot during WW II in the European Theater. He was looking forward to meeting Ed but now they will “Join Up” during their Flights Westbound. It was such a delight to see Ed with his friendly smile, and the feeling that he truly cared about what you were saying. Our Prayers are with the Family.
January 3, 2009
Uncle Edgar will be missed by all who knew him. As far as we are concerned he was a classy hero in our family. His zest for life was always so uplifting. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all the family at this time of great loss.
Don & Judi Smith Lakeview, OR
Allen Family, I am so very sorry for your loss and I know we down here in Louisiana haven’t kept as close to you as we should but hearing about your loss has sent shockwaves through our family. Uncle Edgar and Aunt Thelma hold a very special place in my heart as they were the only family that attended my wedding to Jana in 1993, 16 years later we will miss him dearly and I we will share our memory of him with our 6 year old son. God Bless your family and you are in our prayers. Walter, Jana and Evan Bergeron
Our condolences to Thelma and the family. Our dear friend and mentor shall be sorely missed
I was so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. I am a docent at the Museum of Flight, and I got to know Ed during all the time he spent there.He was a true Gentlemen and Representative of the Greatest Generation! Ed has gone home to be with his Heavenly Father who gave him life. He is now in a place of never ending happiness. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Getting to know Ed and serving on the 43K Board Of Directors with him was a very great privilege.
Ye Olde Editor – Marsh
Ed and I were pilot trainees in class 43K starting in Preflight, then Primary and Basic. We attended different Advanced flying training schools but were at Liberal AAF for B-24 transition.
I always cherished his friendship.
We have lost a gentleman who was a great asset to his family and to his Country. I am very saddened by his passing and my best wishes to his wife and family.
I am very proud to have known Ed who was indeed a good friend.
Ed was one of the kindest people I have ever met. The time I spent with Ed tending to the Collings Foundation aircraft and at Cascade Warbirds events will always be treasured. His warm smile made us all feel good as we looked up to him. Most of us looked up to him because he was very tall, all of us looked up to him because he was a true hero from the Greatest Generation.
Here’s to a Big Friend from a Little Friend. May we always fly together. Chuck
I am glad Dan and Linda met and got together and we got to know both of you.Good memories, Judy
I first met Ed 10 or 12 years ago in a chance meeting during the Collings Foundation B-24 visit to the area and he took me for a ride in my WW2 Fairchild PT-19. He had not been an active pilot since the early 50s, but hadn’t lost his touch.
He became an honorary member of the Cascade Warbirds, the local EAA Warbirds of America squadron, attending many of our meetings at the Museum of Flight. He will be missed by us all.
There is a depth of sadness knowing Ed Allen’s wonderful, ready smile and disposition will not grace our lives. There are pilots and Aviators. Ed was an Aviator. Ed joined me at a couple of QB dinners. old Aviators During one such dinner, the speaker was discussing Aviation heros who had made a difference. He then asked those in the room of about 100 pilots, “are there any DFC Distinguished Flying Cross recipients”? Four raised their hands, Ed Allen was one of them.
Until Ed wrote his book “Pilot From the Prairie” I was not aware of this honor.
Ed, you have set the bar high for all of us, as an Aviator, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Gentleman.
God Speed and Gear Up Ed,
With Love, Jack Kastien
My wife, Linda and I remember Ed from Lake Burien Church. When we would visit LBPC, it was always a treat to chat with Ed about all things aviation.
The Cascade Warbirds sends their condolonces to Thelma and the rest of Ed’s family.
Our Warbird Squadron will miss the honor and joy of Ed’s coninuing interaction with the squadron as another of our WWII aviation heroe’s trades in his wings for angel’s wings to fly with his buddies of days gone by. And remember, in heavan at least in my version of heavan, there’s no FAA to tell you how you can fly. It must be one heck of a fun reunion up there!
Greg Anders
Commanding Officer
Cascade Warbirds
As a Museum of Flight Volunteer and a fellow AF pilot, I took great interest in Ed’s stories and experiences of his WW II flying. He was at the MoF just about every weekend and during “Special Events” with his WW II display in the Museum’s Main Entrance. A true hero and always willing to chat with the museum visitors. Ed, “Godspeed on your Final Flight West”.
We will miss talking to you and hearing your stories. Your ready smile and kind heart touched so many people.
God Speed
Rick and Lori CWB