Gaylord Duane Allen

Gaylord Duane Allen, 61, of Avella, died at Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness. He was born February 3, 1947, in Washington, a son of the late Gaylord and Verla Dinch Allen. Mr. Allen was a graduate of Avella High School. On March 14, 1966, he entered the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Specialist-Grade E-5. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Allen worked at DGI Menard, for over twenty years, and was a shop steward for the labor union. He was a member of North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Allen enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and watching their sporting events. Surviving are two sons, Jeremy Duane (Shasta) Allen and Jay Darrell Allen, both of Avella; a sister, Marietta Brager, of Avella; and five grandchildren, Derek, Paige, Blaze, Sidney and Brooklyn. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2008, with the Rev. Jack E. Emerick officiating. Interment will follow in West Alexander Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Bert C. Siders, American Legion, Avella. The family suggests memorial contributions to Donnell House, c/o Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.