William Clyde Allen Sr. "Bill"

Combined Veterans Honor Guard Creed

He was just a common veteran and his ranks are growing thin, but his presence should remind us, we may need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, then it’s the military’s part, to clean up all the troubles that other people start. If we cannot do him honor, while he is here to hear the praise, then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say:

OUR COUNTRY IS MOURNING, FOR A VETERAN DIED TODAY.

On August 23, 1928 William Clyde Allen Sr. was born in Trumbull, Ohio to Gilbert Bake Allen and Thelma Ruth Bensinger. Bill was the youngest of four brothers, George, Robert, Gilbert Jr., Dan and two sisters, Neva and Thelma.

In 1942, at the tender age of fourteen, Bill joined the U. Sl Amy. He served during WWII in five major battles, having earned two Purple Hearts and many other combat and campaign medals. He was Honorably Discharged when seventeen years old. After six months at home, he re-enlisted for three years. He was sent to Germany to assist with the training of German men (they could have no past association with the Nazi party) in military operations. He was most proud of his military service and being a Veteran. When he was Honorably Discharged, he remained in Europe for ten years working for the U. S. Army and Air Force. When he returned to the U.S., he married Mary Sue Moncrief.  They had four children, Dorothy May (Pepper), Cindy Lou, Vera Ruth and William Clyde Allen II.

Bill worked for the Air Force as a Logistics Management Specialist traveling throughout the world solving logistic problems. He was over the Military Assistance Program Countries for the F84, F86, Fl00, and Fl01 aircraft.

He retired from the Government in 1977 and really retired in 1994. He and Mary traveled a while and then settled in Mesa, Arizona. Mary died in 1997. At that time Bill began Martial Arts training in Tang So Do, receiving his Black Belt in 2000. He has many trophies, and gold, silver, and bronze ribbons from Regional and International Competitions for those over fifty years old.

Bill returned to Utah in 2001. He married Geri Mickelson on Jan. 10, 2003. Together they gave self- defense classes to women and teen-age girls. Bill and Geri enjoyed sharing the same birthday and their special love in their senior years.

Bill joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2004. He had a very strong testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in all his callings.

He enjoyed being a Service Missionary, with Geri, at the Kaysville Bishop Storehouse for 30 months. He loved going to the Bountiful Temple with family and friends, music, reading, camping, four wheeling, helping others and being with family.

Bill served as the first Utah Commander for the Veterans of Underage Military Service (VUMS). This organization has documented over 3000 life stories of the young warriors sixteen and under that served their country valiantly. Bill's story is recorded in the third volume.

Bill passed away on June 5, 2015 in Layton, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife

Mary, siblings, daughter Cindy Lou, and three grandchildren, Raphael Miguelito ("Mike"), Autumn and Joshuah. He is survived by his wife, Geri, daughters, Dorothy (Pepper) Vigil (Allan), Vera Bullock, and son, William C. Allen 11 (Leslie), eleven grandchildren, (three deceased), thirteen great grandchildren and Geri's family.

Services to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 11 at the Farmington North Stake Center, 729 W. Shepard Lane with a visitation for family and friends from 11:30-12:45 p.m. Burial will be in Farmington City Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by Post 27 American Legion and Utah National Guard.