C. Robert Allen

C. Robert "Bob" Allen, 75, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at his home in Vista. He was born in Bellflower, CA on January 16, 1934 to John and Eunice Allen. He was raised in Lawrenceville, PA and had worked on the family farm during his early years. As a young adult, he worked in the appliance department at Sears for a few years. Being the youngest of five boys, Bob was only allowed to serve stateside in the military. He served in the Army as a Corporal from 1955 to 1958 and as a Reservist until 1960.

Following in his brother Frank's footsteps, he chose funeral service as his life long career. He moved to California in January 1959 and lived mostly in the San Diego and North County area. He went to work with his brother, Frank, for Vera Beardsley at Beardsley Mortuary in San Diego for just over a year prior to attending mortuary college to make sure this was the career he wanted. He then spent some time in the Los Angeles and Orange County area while attending mortuary college. During the late 1980s and 1990s, he also spent time on his ranch in Missouri, but always considered Vista his home. He graduated from Los Angeles College of Mortuary Science in 1961.

He had worked for Utter-McKinley Mortuary in Los Angeles during his school time. He then moved to Cypress in Orange County for just over a year prior to coming back to San Diego County. In February 1964, the two brothers opened Allen Brothers Mortuary in Vista. After Frank retired in the early 1980s, Bob opened the second mortuary in San Marcos in 1989. Besides being a co-founder and partner in Allen Brothers Mortuary, Bob was very active in the Vista community. He served as the President of the Vista Elk's Lodge #1968 B.P.O.E. and was a member of the Vista High Twelve International Club #454, Vista Masonic Lodge #687 F.&.A.M., and the Vista Kiwanis Noon Club. He had also belonged to the Vista Chamber of Commerce and worked with the Vista Community Development as well as being a member of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. As a prominent member of the Vista community, he was asked to become a co-founder of Vista National Bank along with his brother and several other prominent Vistans. Bob never really retired from the funeral service, but he did "semi-retire" so he could spend time on his farm.

Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Allen; and four brothers, John Jr., Charles, Louis, and Frank, his partner, who passed away in July 2008. He is survived by his wife, Ruth of Vista; daughters, Linda S. Allen of Vista, Judy L. Sosebee (Graff) of Oceanside, Debra K. Robinson of Annville, PA, and Angela G. Watson (Michael) of Humansville, MO; stepchildren, Kevin Dybdall (Darla) of Humansville, MO and Cathy Hagen; sister, Eunice Cothron of Alpine; sisters-in-law, Doris Allen of Alpine, Jean Allen of Livermore, CA and Beverly Allen of Vista; grandchildren, Shane G. Allen-Koepke of Vista, Regina L. Stout of Oceanside, Frank L. Stout of Elmira, NY, Beth & Emily Robinson of Annville, PA, Chelsea and Allison Dybdall of Humansville, MO, and Alexandra Hagen; his "girls", Sassy, Tuffy, Kota, Pied, and Patches; along with many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a man of strong beliefs and a man true to himself and his family. He was a loyal friend and a man of value who will be missed by all.

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