Jerry Allen

Jerry E. Allen—Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 8, 1957. The last son of Harold and Juanita (Chapples) Allen. Jerry started working in 1974 during his senior year of high school with what would be the start of a career that lasted 50 years in the construction of natural gas processing facilities.  He started at Pro-Quip in Tulsa as a vessel rat and ended his career at ISTI Plant Services at the Port of Catoosa as an Assembly Manager.

Jerry was a welder by trade and became a teacher and boss over the years.  He always enjoyed passing on his experience and knowledge to new and young welders just starting out.  He had the unique ability of always making sure people understood exactly what he wanted or expected.  His work ethic was beyond belief, and he never thought he was better than anyone he worked with. He never forgot where he came from and the struggles it took to raise a family.  He was always willing to listen if someone needed to just talk. Jerry will be remembered for the countless hours of long talks and friendships, some extending for 40 plus years.

Jerry married Cathy Carter in 1975.  Together, they had two sons, David Allen and Jason Allen.  The couple made Mannford their home.  Jerry and Cathy enjoyed square dancing together, Cathy and her mother made most of their dancing costumes.  Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing, and as the boys grew, they would tag along learning to enjoy the outdoors.  Jerry was coach for their baseball teams when they were young as he was an excellent baseball player himself.  He enjoyed watching them play baseball, football and wrestling in school.  They enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting.

Jerry married Cheryl York Helms in 1996. He acquired and raised daughter Amber Helms, and together, Jerry and Cheryl had son Craig Allen. During this part of Jerry’s life, he enjoyed competing in men’s slow-pitch softball. Handing down his love of the game to his children, he coached his kids’ softball and baseball teams, instilling his work ethic and determination, not only to his own children but also to their teammates and friends. Their most cherished memories are with family on vacations to Port Aransas and Panama City Beach.

Jerry found his final partner in 2013 with Jenny Allen, and he acquired another daughter, Kelsey and grandson, Ryan.  Jerry and Jenny enjoyed the next 10 years camping, fishing, kayaking,
eagle-watching and riding their beautiful blue trike.  They loved participating in bike shows and anything related to their trike and being together.  One of his greatest joys was being a grandpa figure to Ryan and being “Pa” to Knox and Everly.  Supporting Football, basketball, and baseball games, attending every dirt bike and motocross race, being present at beauty pageants, and most anything else their grandkids wanted to do. Jerry’s quick wit and dry sense of humor and Jenny’s ability to have a comeback for most of the things he said made for a relationship that was always exciting and full of love and respect.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Juanita Allen, sister Mary J. Wilson, brothers Harold G. Allen, Johnnie W. Allen, and Robert D. Allen.

Jerry is survived by his partner of the home, Jenny Allen, son David Allen of Tulsa, son Jason Allen of Mannford, son Craig Allen and wife Madison of Berryhill, daughter Amber Helms of Mannford, daughter  Kelsey Allen of Claremore, five grandchildren Andrew Allen and wife Amanda, Harley Allen, Knox Allen, Everly Allen, and Ryan Wells, two great-grandchildren Jackson Bennett and Scarlett Allen, numerous sister-n-laws, brother-n-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers.

His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide network of community. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that in lieu of flowers, contribute to one of the charities Jerry actively supported, such as Folds of Honor Oklahoma, Blue Star Mothers, Back the Blue Foundation.