Joseph Allen

JOSEPH W. ALLEN, 71, of Mancelona, died on March 24, 2010 at his home. Joe was born on Sept. 1, 1938 in Mancelona, the son of Rex and Henrietta (Townsend) Allen. Joe was a lifelong resident of Mancelona where he owned and operated J.W. Allen Gun Repair for many years. Besides being a licensed gunsmith he was also a county commissioner for District 9 and was a member of the Mancelona Lions Club. He enjoyed competition black powder shooting, where he won many awards. He also enjoyed reading, especially history and Civil War books, and was an avid fan of Star Trek. On March 29, 1958 in Mancelona, he married Sherry Oversmith who survives. Also surviving are 5 children, Patricia Ann (Jeremy) Wetherholt of Kalkaska, Lorrie (Alan) Lou Skinner, Chester Wayne Allen, Heidi Jo Allen, and Todd Michael Allen all of Traverse City. In addition to his children, he is survived by 8 grandchildren, Peggy, David, Taylor, John, Leann, Joseph, Sarah, Theo, 8 great-grandchildren, Kayleen, Dominica, David Jr., Daniel, Scott Jr., Connor, Tyrell, Layla, a brother James Allen of Maryland and a sister Nancy Gaylord of Bellaire. He was preceded in death by an infant son Joseph Charles Allen, a grandson, Andrew Jahnke, 2 sisters Florence Ide, Helen Smith, 2 brothers, Jack Allen, Buck Allen and his parents. Funeral services will take place on Mon., March 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Pastor Mark McCool will officiate. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Visitation will take place on Sun., March 28 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Munson Hospice or to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.