Early Sunday morning, February 12, 2012, Gene Allen, (82) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, slipped from the arms of his family to those of His Lord and Savior.  He is survived by his three nephews, Bryce Hanna, Tim Hanna, and Scott Hanna, and their Mother, Suzi Meller, of Hot Springs, son Robert Scott and his wife Samantha, and their children, Annelise and Anthony, of Michigan.

Born July 14, 1929 in Louisville, Kentucky, Gene grew up in a Catholic orphanage in Kentucky.  More than 35 years ago, and prior to the birth of his nephews, their Uncle Gene became an integral part of the family when he rented an apartment in Santa Monica, California at the home of Suzi’s mother, Sally Meller. 

Gene loved his Lord Jesus and was very open about his faith.  Every prayer included petitions for those he loved, the land of Israel and our soldiers.  One would see him, even in a restaurant, remove his cap, bow his head and give thanks for his food.  He loved Christmas, most anything from the good old days, See’s candy, and rural America.  He has hundreds of friends across the nation, many from California where he was a salesman for Scully fine leather items.  In his younger years, he coached football at the Harvard Prep School in Los Angeles.  The legacy he leaves to us is the example of his Christ-like love; unselfish and forgiving.

Services will be held Friday, 3 p.m. at Hot Springs Funeral Home, 1017 Central Avenue, officiated by the Rev. Conley Henderson of First Church of the Nazarene.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Gene Allen, make donation to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL 60602.