(Clarence) Roger Allen, 71, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:00 am January 21, 2023. Roger stepped over into Heaven during his sleep.

Roger was born on March 15, 1951 to Reva (Bates) and Clarence Allen at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Roger attended Waltonville Grade School and High School, graduating in 1969. He landed his first big job as a Machine Operator/Roof Bolter at Freeman United Coal Company #3 in Waltonville, Illinois. Roger was employed until its closure in 1982. Roger returned to school/college and became owner and operator of Allen’s Heating and Air Conditioning before ending his employment work life at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Plant Facilities.

Roger met Leslie (Gill) Allen, the love of his life, through Roger’s sister, aka Leslie’s Beautician (it’s a funny story). Roger and Leslie exchanged vows in 1980 at an outdoor wedding; then they danced in the rain. Roger and Leslie had one child, Chad Eric Allen.

Roger’s family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Leslie, Chad, Melinda, Lexi, and Luke. He always tried his best to support them. Many of Roger’s family deepened their walk or came to know Christ through Roger. He was influential in the salvation of many of his loved ones.

Roger is survived by his wife, Leslie (Gill) Allen; son, Chad Eric Allen and wife, Melinda; God child, Caleb (Mag) Price and wife, Presley; brother, Tim and wife, Diane; sisters, Judy and husband, Bob Logan, Barb Sandusky, Glenda and husband, Gary Chesney; grandchildren, Luke and Alexis Allen; nieces and nephews, Curtis Logan, Tye Logan, Yvonne Becker, Lay Pomeroy, Randy Sandusky, Vonna Williams, Brent Allen, Jennifer Mae Davis, and Andria Babbit; and relationship with, Jan (Gill) Price, Doug Price, and Mary Ann Trumbo.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Reva (Bates) Allen; father and mother-in-law, Bobby and Rae Gill; brother-in-law, Earl Sandusky; and nephew, Jason Chesney.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 3:00 pm with Mr. Jon Henninger officiating. Memorials may be made in Roger’s honor to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.