David Walter Allen, Sr. (Dick), 92, lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by friends and family in Moab, Utah. Dick was born on March 31, 1925, in Moab and passed away from complications of COPD on March 3, 2018, at his longtime home.
Dick’s father, Issac Walter Allen, was the first doctor in Moab. Dick’s mother, Dorothy Kirk Allen, passed away when he was 3. Dick attended and graduated from Roswell Military Academy in New Mexico. He then attended college at USC in California before returning to Moab. As a testament to his character, Dick enlisted two different times in the Army during WWII as he couldn’t stand the thought of his friends serving when he did not. Dick built Allen Insurance, providing insurance services to residents and businesses.
In 1954, Dick married Mary Zell Newby, who preceded him in death in 2009. They had three children: Dorothy Sue Allen Johnston, Andrea Jean Allen and David Walter Allen, Jr. (who also preceded him in death in 2005). He had 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He loved Moab and was actively involved in helping shape the future through politics and public activism. Dick was an avid golfer and helped form the Moab Golf Club. He golfed until he was 85, and many times, his golf score was less than his age. He also loved to hike and explore the beautiful country around Moab.
Dick was also an avid investor and continued speculating in the stock market up until his death. In his younger days, he was actively involved with the Shriner’s organization and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He served on the board of directors for numerous businesses, including the I.W. Allen Hospital, Equity Oil Company and Moab National Bank (now Zions).
He is remembered by many, including his grandchildren, as a man of integrity, honor and wisdom. He was very independent and proud. He taught his children and grandchildren, among other things, how to made whistles with reeds, the art of paper airplane folding and how to catch fish, as well as a love of the outdoors, hiking and golf.
A viewing will be held at Spanish Valley Mortuary on Friday, March 9, from 6 to 8 pm.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with military rites, followed by a gathering at his home at 301 Park Ave. Please join us.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1275 E. Fairfax Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
