Paul Allen

Paul A. Allen, Jr., 88, of Gonzales, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Paul was born July 25, 1926 in Luling to Paul A. Allen and Margaret Stair Allen. He graduated from Luling High School where he was a member of the Eagle band and a hurdler for the track team. He graduated from Texas A&M College. Paul married Evelyn Dean Kinney on July 27, 1955 in Luling.

As all students were at the time, Paul was a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. He was a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and held the distinction of holding the position of Drum Major twice, once as a sophomore and once again as a senior.

As a sophomore he was appointed by Band Master Lieutenant Colonel Richard J. Dunn to fill the position as Drum Major as all the upper classman had been called into active duty during World War II and he was again appointed the honor of Drum Major his senior year. One would be remiss to not note that band members during this time were required to practice 40 hours a week, perform at social functions and football games both home and at times away, attend and excel in their classes, and serve duties within the Corps of Cadets, all this and Paul graduated with two majors in Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering.

Within this time Paul too, was called into active duty and served in the Army Air Corp where he flew training missions as a pilot. As WWII concluded Paul was honorably discharged and returned to Texas A&M as a cadet and member of the Fightin’ Aggie Band until graduating with the class of 1947.

Paul served a short stint in the Army Reserves before joining the Texas National Guard where he served for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

His love, other than his family, was Texas A&M University, the Fightin’ Aggie Band and most importantly the United States Flag and everything she bravely stands for, above all - one nation under God. Honor and integrity weren’t just words to Paul; it was his chosen way of life. He was a soft spoken man of few words, he never wasted words and his word was golden. He was a humble man, a sweet caring servant of his Lord. Paul was disciplined in every manner of a gentlemen, never allowing himself to vary from the fabric in which he was clad, Duty, Honor, Country.

Throughout Paul’s career he raised cattle and farmed, but his passion was growing plants. He enjoyed caring for them, watching them grow and then giving them away for other people to enjoy as he prepared beds to plant new seeds. In the Allen Family cemetery lives an ancient Oak whose breadth reaches across the lawns as if to protect those that lay beside its splendor. Paul knew well that those loved ones that have gone before have found a place in heaven and need not this trees protection. Still sitting in the shaded tranquility of this oak he may have found a grand venue to reflect on his Lord’s gift of precious life, and the life that follows a righteous soul.

Paul A. Allen is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill Kinney Allen Peterek and David of New Braunfels, son and daughter-in-law, Richard Timothy “Tim” Allen and DeLanna of Gonzales, daughter-in-laws, Linda Allen of Victoria and Kathy Allen of Gonzales, grandchildren, Blake Allen, Robin Charbula, Becky Young, Erin Allen, Sean Allen and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, daughter, Carrie Allen, sons, James Terry Allen and Paul Allen, a grandchild, Ryan Allen and his sisters, Molly Allen and Dorothy Jane Wood.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2015 in the funeral home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2015 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Allen Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers include: Blake Allen, J.T. Allen, Randy Young, Ryland Young, Eric Dement, Bill Rutherford, Matt Rutherford and Michael Charbula. Honorary Pallbearers include: members of the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department and all former students of Texas A&M University. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be made to the Monthalia Methodist Church or the Gonzales County A&M Club. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.