Thomas Lawrence Allen, 91, of Fenton, MO, passed away at his home on December 26, 2023.  Tom died from complications battling pneumonia.  He was surrounded by his loving wife of 62 years, Velma and his three daughters, Gail, Dail, and Mary. 

Tom was born in Des Moines, IA in 1932 to Thomas Andrew and Minnie Olive Allen. They moved their family to southern Missouri when Tom was a toddler.  After graduating from Anderson High School, he joined the US Navy.  

Tom proudly served on the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier where he completed his tour of duty during the Korean War.  Tom was one of the ship’s photographers, and discovered his talent in the photo lab, working with film in the developing and printing process.  After leaving the Navy, Tom began his lifelong career in the printing trade, as a Lithographer. Tom was a proud union member and was active in the Graphic Communications International Union, (which eventually joined the Teamsters Union).  Tom retired in 1993 from his position as Vice President of Organizing for the GCIU, where he had served two terms.  On Tom’s 90th birthday, he received his 60-year pin for his lifelong commitment to the union and his trade.

Tom was also active in his community after he retired.  He was a member of the St Louis County Police, Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

For many years, Tom and his wife traveled to the Annual USS Bon Homme Richard Ship Reunion. The reunions were the highlight of each year for them, and they planned detailed driving routes and sightseeing stops to and from the events, which occurred in different cities across the United States. 

Tom, and his nephew Larry, were thankful to be included in the March 30, 2019 Honor Flight to Washington DC where the group was escorted to the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.  Everywhere they went, people took time to acknowledge and thank the men and women on the trip.  Tom was very moved and humbled by the experience, especially the cards and letters from family and friends and the Welcome Home celebration at the airport.

Although Tom was an avid fisherman his entire life, and he was active in his community after he retired, his favorite role was that of grandpa.  Tom treasured time teasing and playing with his grandchildren/great grandchildren and loved being their Papa.  

Everyone who knew Tom knew how much he loved fishing. His personal record was a 7lb 5oz smallmouth bass which is proudly mounted in the family room.  Tom enjoyed his fishing boat, named Minnie Pearl (after his mother), fishing tournaments, and teaching all 7 of his grandchildren to fish.

Tom will always be remembered for his integrity and the way he would suggest a better way to accomplish something. We’ll always remember him saying “do it right the first time or don’t do it at all” and “okay, Gal”.  We couldn’t have asked for a better Husband/Dad/Papa and will miss Tom every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Tom married the love of his life, Velma, in 1961.  They had three daughters, Gail (Julian, deceased), Dail (Nick) and Mary (Fred).  Tom is survived by his wife and daughters; 2 sons-in-law; 7 grandchildren:  Timothy, Alexandra, Thomas, Nickayla, Rachel, Eric ,Drake; 3 great grandchildren: Aireana, Averey and Lumìna, and numerous extended family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 nieces, a nephew, a son-in-law and mother, father, and sister -in law.

The family is honoring Tom’s wishes to be cremated and buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.  The family will be scheduling a Memorial Service to honor Tom at a future time, in the spring.