John Russell Allen, 74, a proud Texas native son, passed peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2015 at his ranch near Harper, Texas. Born in Ft. Worth, his family moved to Mesa, Arizona when he was six. John was a graduate of Mesa High School, and the University of Arizona, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) fraternity. Since stepping off the train in Mesa as a young child, he promised himself that he would return to Texas, the home of his heart. During the Vietnam War, he served in the United States Air Force as a Captain flying KC-135 Tankers. His Air Force service ended in 1973. That was the beginning of a lifelong career in aviation. He became an underwriter with the United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG.) In 1979, he co-founded Falcon Insurance Agency in Austin, Texas which grew from a three person office to a prominent nationwide agency. John Allen served as president from its inception. Even as a toddler in Ft. Worth, he saw himself someday in the saddle. He was a passionate Texas Longhorn breeder who practiced both fundamental breeding protocols and advancing technology. He served on the board of the Texas Longhorn Heritage Foundation (TLHF), and along with his collaborative efforts as a member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA), and Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance (TLMA) allowed important traits to flourish, and ensure the grandeur of the breed.
He is survived by his wife Ursula; his daughter Deborah Abdullah, his son-in-law Henry Abdullah; his daughter Tammy Williams, his son Joe Lema; his grandsons Gaven Abdullah and Holden Abdullah who affectionately call him Papa John; his granddaughter Haley Williams, and his sister Ann Devoll.
He lived the way he dreamed. “No half measures†is a fitting description of his life. His father told him “Get up early and work hard†which is exactly what he did every day of his life. John will live forever in the hearts of his family and friends as a loyal, loving, courageous and generous man with a sly sense of humor, and a razor sharp intellect. When he gets to Heaven, if there are Longhorns and lots of pristine country with blazing sunsets, he’ll know he is home.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, Texas on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow immediately at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Tom Bradshaw, Phil Parrish, Barry Dowlen, Alan Sparger, Damon Clark, Joe Lema, Gaven Abdullah, Holden Abdullah and Henry Abdullah.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Peterson Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, Texas 78028.
The TLBAA and its staff would like to offer their sincerest condolences to the Allen family during this difficult time. Mr. Allen was a wonderful man who made great contributions to the Texas Longhorn breed and the TLBAA. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Texas Longhorn Trails is now on Magzter, an online newstand! With a monthly subscription, you can read thousands of your favorite magazines and discover new publications all on one website!
Historic cattle, longtime friends, and fantastic food!
The Butler Sale will be here before you know it! Download the catalog and get a sneak peek at the consignments inside!
They call it the Hill Country, we call it fun!
The Hill Country Heritage Sale is just a few weeks away now and we've got the catalog online just for you! Click on the cover to the left or download it to see all the gorgeous consignments in this sale!
Viva Las Vegas, Baby!
The Hudson-Valentine Vegas Style Sale is going to be SUCH an amazing sale! Improve your odds and check out the catalog online! Download it!
Judge blocks new federal rule on jurisdiction of waterways - Fox News, August 28, 2015
A federal judge in North Dakota on Thursday blocked a new Obama administration rule that would give the federal government jurisdiction over some state waterways.
U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson of North Dakota issued a temporary injunction against the rule, which gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers authority to protect some streams, tributaries and wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The rule was scheduled to take effect Friday.
"The risk of irreparable harm to the states is both imminent and likely," Erickson said in blocking the rule from taking effect.
