MSG Kenneth Lamarr Allen, US Army, Ret.

MSG Kenneth Lamarr Allen, US Army, Ret., 83, of Morganton passed away Friday, December 21, 2018.  Born in Catawba County, NC on September 5, 1935, he was the son of the late Richard Vernon Allen and Otis Louise Headrick Allen.  He retired from the US Army after 24 years of service including 2 tours in Vietnam and 16 years overseas.  MSG Allen then worked at Freedom High School as an JROTC instructor and won multiple awards for his excellent leadership.  During his time in the military he was awarded several medals including: Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle and Pistol Expert, 2 Vietnam Service Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign, Armed Forces Expeditionary, National Defense Medal with Emblem, 2 Army Commendations, and the Commanders Award for Public Service.  In addition to his awards on paper, he also earned the Commander’s Award for Public Service.

He was a loving husband and father, and was well respected by his students and peers. 

MSG Allen is survived by his wife, Renate Meta Allen of the home; children, Kenneth Allen, Jr., Rhonda Allen, Shannon Allen, Tina Allen, Sabrina Williams, and Steven Wallace; a granddaughter, Rachel Wallace; a brother, Andrew Deal and family; and brothers-in-law, Dieter and family and Gert and family of Wiesbaden, Germany.

In addition to his parents, MSG Allen was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Louise Allen; grandson, Brandon L. Williams; and brothers, Bobby and Melvin.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2019 at the Western Carolinas State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Crawford officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.