Thomas Allen

Thomas Leonard Allen, 90, of Little Rock, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on January 16, 1929 in Decatur, Alabama to Leonard and Loleet Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Esther Outlaw Allen.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Bonnie Gunter Allen; five children, Amy Roupe  (Ed) of North Little Rock, Thomas Allen, Jr. of Little Rock, Tracey Conway (Herb) of Margate, Florida, Terry Inman (Jim) of West Monroe, Louisiana and Laurie Cole (Mark) of Parkland, Florida; three step-children, Michelle Moore(Gary) and Rob Gunter of Little Rock and Lori French(Dave) of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Eli Milholland (Maralie), Jeremy Allen Glover, Sarah Inman, Kria Cochran (Blake), Daniel Inman, Matthew Cole and Emily Cole; two step-grandchildren, Ryan Cole and Robert Cole; one great-grandson, Ian Cochran; two brothers, Gerald Allen (Cynthia) and John Allen, one sister, Lyndel Metzler (Leo) and six nieces and two nephews.

Tom graduated from Auburn University in 1951with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.  He married Esther Outlaw on June 7, 1952. Together they had five children and made their home in Little Rock. After the loss of Esther, he was blessed to find love a second time and married Bonnie Gunter in 1992. She brought joy into his life again, along with her three children. Tom worked many years for Little Rock Road Machinery Company and at the age of 61, went to work for J.A. Riggs Tractor Company as an Aggregate Specialist. In 2001, he retired with 50 years in the heavy equipment industry.

Tom loved to travel and was a voracious reader. He taught himself how to play the piano and learned a second language. His family deeply treasures how he preserved his memories through an extensive collection of family slides and personal journals. He was deliberate and creative in reinforcing positive memories that will endure way beyond his lifetime. We will always remember Tom's love for his family and pets, his strong work ethic, and his wonderful sense of humor.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1921Main Street, North Little Rock at 10:00 am, Monday, July 22, 2019 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to The Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 10201West Markham, Suite 100, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.