Obituary of Gene O. Allen

Gene O. Allen 59, of Iowa City formerly longtime resident of Hampton, Iowa died Thursday, September 6, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2012, at the River Community Church in Iowa City, where visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Private family burial services will be held at the Harrington Township Cemetery near Williamsburg, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gene's memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. Gene Orville Allen "Geno" was born December 1, 1952, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City the son of Warren and Evelyn Allen. He attended Iowa City Schools graduating from West High School in 1971. He went on to receive a degree in farm management from Muscatine Community College. On November 25, 1971, he was united in marriage to Christine A. Williams at the former Bethany Baptist Church in Iowa City. The couple lived here until moving to Hampton, Iowa in 1974 where they resided until moving back to the Iowa City area in 2009. In Hampton Gene worked as a swine business developer consultant for Five Star Cooperative, a position he held until his death, in fact he was still taking care of business while in the hospital! Gene was so much to so many people in his lifetime; you knew this man as a hardworking, generous, and humble man of integrity. A man that was so passionate about his family, his job, his faith in Christ. Gene's walk on earth was to share what he knew with strangers, friends and family, his knowledge, his trust, his humor, but most of all his love for his Lord. He was living proof of a forgiving and understanding God, and Gene wanted everyone to know this! He loved so much in this world, football, classic cars, spending time with friends and family (especially on many special vacations), and he knew it was all a gift from above. His family includes his wife, Christi; son, Jesse and his wife, Laurie Allen; daughter, Jeni and her husband, Johnny Beas; grandchildren, Zoë and Cruz Beas all of Iowa City; siblings, Ray and his wife, Wanda Allen of West Liberty; and Diana and her husband Steve Haman of Kalona; sister-in-law, Patty Allen of Iowa City; step-father, Pierson Benedict of Kalona; parent- in-laws, Claude and Carol Williams of Iowa City; and brother-in-law, Steve Williams and his wife, Linda of Iowa City. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Evelyn; brother, Rick Allen, and his son, Joel James Allen. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Gene's family and his services.