Charles Marvin Allen

With sparkling blue eyes, a mischievous grin, and gregarious personality, Charles was well liked within his circle of many friends and family. He was generous, almost to a fault, never met a stranger, and had a soft heart when it came to children. He always had a story to share and loved to laugh.

Born May 17, 1941 at the family farm in Menlow, Texas, to George and Maxine Allen, Charles spent his childhood in Pantego and Fort Worth where he graduated from Pascal High School. He worked at General Dynamics in Fort Worth for many years before moving to Hill County in the early 70's where he began his machinist career.

In the early 80's, he started his own machining business, CAM TOOL and DIE, in Hillsboro. Later he purchased his corner lot in Whitney, operating the business until he decided to sell it in 2014 and retire.

He joined the Masonic Lodge in the 80's and met several people who made an impression on his life.

Charles also enjoyed working in law enforcement and he served in police departments for Rio Vista, Itasca, Whitney, and Hillsboro. He also worked as a Hill County Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Constable.

 He loved horses, working dogs, hunting, sport shooting, and country living. Charles’ creative mind and passion for the western and cowboy way of life bore fruit as he was an excellent gunsmith and knife maker. He was skilled at building things, was a good artist, and enjoyed woodworking, which often resulted in beautiful pieces of furniture given to family and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his father Wilson George Allen, mother Maxine Eleanor Allen, brother Wilson George “WG” Allen, brother Richard Dale Allen, sister Teresa Pope Moore and granddaughter Amanda Lynn Johnston.

 Charles is survived by his wife Mary Allen, daughters Donna Johnston and husband Cliff, Sandra Sheffield and husband Scott, stepdaughters Jacquelin Hankhouse-Williams and husband Shawn, Jessica Hankhouse-McDonough and Marc, stepsons Jared Hankhouse and wife Shannon, Russel Hankhouse and wife Laura. Grandchildren Stacey and Stephanie Orban, Colton and Travis Johnston, Graham Allen, Scotty Sheffield and wife Caitlin, Rachelle Castillo, Shane Basham and wife Kagen, Kailey Hankhouse, Marlon "Tuff" Banner, Hank Banner, Kitt Mills, Ryder Morgan, Harper Hankhouse. Great grandchildren Hadlee Orban, Oakleigh Sheffield, Harley and Garrison Johnson, Blakely Basham, and Chase Dill.

 In lieu of flowers, Charles requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org