Roy Edward Allen, 81, of rural Farmington, IL, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023 at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL. He was born on September 29, 1941 in Uniontown, IL to Wilson Leroy and J. Maxine (Henry) Allen. They precede him in death, along with his eldest brother Wilson “Gene” Allen and brother-in-law Thomas G. Hanlin. Roy is survived by his younger sister, Pamela S. (Allen) Hanlin and sister-in-law Shirley M. (Starcevich) Allen along with his nieces and nephews. He was lovingly known as “Uncle Roy” to Eric, Lori and Marion, Nichol and Doug, and Robert and Casey; his great nieces and nephews, Jenna and Steven, Jessa and Neal, Carrie, Caden, Katie, and Colton; and his great-great nephew and niece, Bodie and Elsie. A lifelong cowboy, cattleman, and truck driver–he knew how to have fun, was always up for a trip, and made life one adventure after another.
Born in their family home and then raised in Uniontown, Roy attended the one room schoolhouse until 8th grade. He then graduated from Yates City High School in 1959. Roy was a member of Uniontown Baptist Church, was baptized there, and helped maintain the church until its closing in 1959. He worked as a farm hand for Peabody Coal, Reclamation Department at the Middle Grove Mine until 1982. He spent much of his time managing the mine’s cattle, farming, and working to reclaim many acres on the Knox and Fulton county line. Roy’s favorite days were those he spent on horseback. He loved sharing his stories about these “good ol’ days”’ with his family and friends. In 1982, Roy began his own trucking company, Allen Trucking, where he hauled grain for local farmers. Whether he was hauling to the Pekin or Havana elevator, he did all he could to be the first truck in line. Roy was an active member of first the Midland Saddle Club in Middlegrove, then the Williamsfield Wranglers Saddle Club and also hunted and fished when time allowed. Roy loved spending time at his lake with his family, teaching his nieces and nephews the very best ways to be ornery, flattening yeast rolls, and watching a good western. His passions in life were raising purebred red Limousin cattle, farming, riding horses, and just enjoying life with his family, friends, and neighbors.
As were his wishes, Roy will be cremated and a private service will take place. In honor of Roy, memorials may be made to the New Windsor Fair and Rodeo Association or Knox County TRIAD.
