Donald L. Allen Sr.

DONALD LEE ALLEN, SR. was born on February 8,1951, the fourth of five children of the late Elizabeth Covington Allen and Fred Allen, Sr.

He received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools at Columbus Elementary #99, Booker T. Washington, and finally at Douglass Senior High School.

His employment began early in his life at age 16. He worked at the Goetz Meat Company, with his father; the Esskay Meat Company, and the J.W. Treuth Company in Catonsville. He left Treuth in the late 80’s to try his hand in the spice field. He was employed at the McCormick Spice Company in Hunt Valley until his retirement in 2013. Blending spices was not the only gift that Donald had at McCormick. He had the uncanny ability to mentor young men in the necessity to save money. Many have profited from his advice and are forever grateful that he took the time to help.

Donald loved sports. For years as a young man, he played fast pitch softball with the Raiders, and the Scorpio Pirates. He could play any position, but his favorite was first baseman. An avid football fan, his team was the Pittsburg Steelers, and there was a tug-of-war each Sunday with his wife, and whoever else was against his Steelers.

Family and friends meant the world to Donald. His children, grandchildren and a great granddaughter sparked such joy in his life. A long-lasting friendship evolved over the years with two customers from Trueth Meat Company in the persons of Mrs. Greta Brooks and Rev. Cynthia Brooks.

Battling ALS (Lou Gergich’s Disease) for only seven months, the Almighty God we serve took Donald to a new home in a glorious City on October 22nd. Cherishing a life celebrated, loved and lived is his wife of thirty-four years Barbara Allen. As his life companion, his children instantly became her children. His children: Mark Jackson, Donald, Jr., who preceded him in death, and Danita Allen. Grandchildren: Suray Jorden, Donald Jorden and Blake Allen, and one great-granddaughter, Kay. Other family members who will miss him are his siblings: Audrey Parker, Fred Allen, Jr., Denise Allen, Earl preceded him in death in August (Barbara). Nieces and nephews: Kedrick Parker, Erik Parker (Deborah), Arlesa Hubbard, Dana Montgomery (Calvin), Ericka Allen and Lesleye Williams (Rivera). Sisters-in-law Shirley Means, Evon Tabron and Lauren Allen.