Charles Allen

Charles L. Allen Jr. finished his race on Earth peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Sunday, February 26th, 2023. 

Charles was a lifelong resident of Erath county. He was born April 30th, 1930, in the Cow Creek Community, to the late Charles L. Allen Sr. and Annie Pearl Bays Allen. Charles graduated from Lingleville High School and went on to study at Tarleton State University. He met the love of his life, Hazel Crabtree, and they were married January 28th, 1956. They had three children Charlsie, John, and David. Charles and Hazel celebrated 67 years of marriage, January 28, 2023. Charles worked for Farmers First National Bank in Stephenville, Texas, for over 26 years. Charles and Hazel loved to travel, spending time in Mexico, a two-month trek across Alaska in an Airstream camper and many other adventures. He would often bring back rocks as special mementos from their travels. 

Charles was a godly man, who lived to show others the Lord through himself. He and Hazel attended Graham Street Church of Christ for many years where he served as a deacon and elder. Charles and Hazel were currently members of the Hillcrest Church of Christ where he also served as an elder. His love for children was always evident, and they loved him in return. He was often known as the “candyman” by children at church because he always kept his pockets full of candy to give them. 

Charles loved ranching, raising cattle, and helping others.  In 1966 Charles was one of several men who chartered the Stephenville Optimist Club and remained an active member until his death.  For over 60 years, Charles was involved with the Boy Scouts. He served as a Scoutmaster when his two boys were young. He then continued as a member of the Stephenville Optimist Club where he was involved in the club’s support of local scouting and served as chairman of the scouting committee.  In 2004, the Stephenville Optimist Club honored Charles by constructing a building on the boy scout property in Stephenville, named ‘Charles Allen Scout House’.  

Charles or “Granddaddy” as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved his family fiercely. He loved taking his grandchildren to the farm where they would often work cattle, roast hot dogs, and just be together in nature. He loved to sing and always enjoyed sharing that with his grand and great-grandchildren.  

Charles never knew a stranger and was always ready to meet those around him. He often spent his time, in restaurants or while traveling, making new friends. He was kind, caring, and always greeted anyone he saw with a smile. He will be remembered for his positive attitude, his love for the Lord and love for his family. 

Charles was proceeded in death by his son, John Allen. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Hazel, daughter, Charlsie Sterry and husband Clint, son David Allen and wife Amy, and daughter-in-law Amy (John’s) Allen. “Granddaddy” will live on through his grandchildren, Cassie Penn and husband Pat, Stephanie Bean and husband David, Laura Calhoun and husband Andy, Brandon Sterry and wife Gigi as well as through his nine great-grandchildren John Allen, Seth, Kylie, Ruthie, Grace, Gage, Branson, Evi Jo and Grady and numerous nephews and nieces. Besides his parents and son, Charles was also preceded in death, by 3 sisters, Loreta Kelley, Juanita Ramseur, and Mary Tarver.

A visitation with the Allen family will be Friday, March 3rd, 6-8 PM at the Stephenville Funeral Home. 

A memorial of life service will be held Saturday, March 4th, at 10 AM, at the Hillcrest Church of Christ building with graveside following at West End Cemetery in Lingleville, TX.  

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