06/26/2026
Paul Dean Allen, of Huey, Illinois, passed away on June 25, 2026 at age 89. Born at home in rural Carlyle, Illinois, on May 29, 1937, to Earl Allen and Lavenia (Apple) Allen.
Lifelong resident of Huey since the late 1960s. He served as a Sergeant (E-5) Airborne Ranger and left service in 1967 from Fort Leonard Wood. He earned a Master’s of Physical Education from McKendree College and was a Breese public school 7th and 8th grade baseball and basketball coach before starting Paul Allen Logging. Dennis joined summers/weekends in 1985; in 1997 they formed Paul & Dennis Allen Logging. He was proud of his one-third American Indian heritage. Known as one of the hardest working men in Southern Illinois, Paul was admired for his strong work ethic, love of square dancing, c**n hunting, fishing, and water skiing.
Survived by son Dennis Allen (Amanda), Centralia; daughter Jodi Zak (Jeff), Auburn; granddaughter Marcey Alexander (Anthony); grandson Jayden Zak; granddaughters Rory Zak, Abigail Allen; grandsons Randly Pursley, Logan Pursley (Mika); great-granddaughters Amya Alexander, Adrian Pursley, Isabelle Pursley; great-grandson Ezra Pursley.
Preceded in death by his parents Earl and Lavenia (Apple) Allen, sisters Luella Essington and Shirley Elling, and brothers Donald and Dallas Allen.
Funeral services will be held in Carlyle, Illinois, with burial at McKendree Chapel Cemetery in Keyesport, Illinois. Arrangements by Zieren Day Funeral Home of Carlyle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Centralia Squares, 617 Oakdale Dr, Centralia, IL 62801; Dandy Dancers, 10001 Bunkum Rd, Fairview Heights, IL 62208; Illinois Square Dance Federation (illinoissquaredance.org); or Huey Methodist Church.
