Obituaries

Thomas Allen, age 73, peacefully passed away at his Edwardsville, IL home November 18, 2025. Tom was the eldest child of Tom and Loretta Allen, both of whom preceded him in death. His sister Nancy Weeks and Terry Allen have also passed on.

After graduating with a degree in Earth Sciences from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Tom worked at many things throughout his life, starting as a geologist, then cook, restaurant management, nurseryman and landscaper. He was a lover of the natural world, music, art, satire and was quick with a pun. Tom remained constantly curious throughout his life about what was new in those and other areas that interested him at the time, especially after he got his first smartphone.

He is survived by Pat Allen, his wife of 54 years, who lost her heart in 1969 to his good-humored, intelligent and affectionate nature, which he kept steadfast to the end.

Also surviving is Tom and Pat's son Jesse, who learned so much from him and garnered many of his lifelong interests. Most importantly he learned how to be a loving, devoted husband and life partner.

Jesse's wife, Lisa Allen, remembers him as a devoted grandfather who filled their home with art, laughter and raisin bread.

He is survived by granddaughter Eloise Allen who thought that he was the best papa in the world and who she already misses dearly! She admired his devotion to her nana, his curiosity and wonder for the world and his gentle, quiet strength and wisdom. She will remember him adoringly for his jokes and twinkling eyes.

Surviving, as well, is his youngest granddaughter Zinnia Allen who would not enjoy life quite so much without having learned from him the power of creativity and a robust sense of humor. She will never forget his kindness and patience or the joy that she felt when making him laugh.

Also surviving are his brother Tim Allen, sister Tracey Anderson, their families and the families of Terry Allen and Nancy Weeks.

Tom was interred in the Evergreen Meadow at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum on November 25, 2025. His Celebration of Life will be held at Bella Milano in Edwardsville, IL, December 14th beginning at 2p.m.

If you wish to honor Tom's memory, please consider a donation to a local hospice organization. BJC Hospice Foundation was the association that took excellent care of Tom the last week of his life. His family can't thank them, and all the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital that were responsible for his care, enough!