Dr. Wilfred Jack Allen

Dr. Wilfred Jack Allen, a brilliant educator, principled veteran, and deeply cherished father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family in his Houston, Texas home. Born on 12 December 1932, in Mobile, Alabama, to Jack Nathan Allen and Henrietta Scruggs Allen, he lived a life defined by unshakable purpose, insatiable curiosity, and an enduring belief in the potential of every child.

A lifelong seeker of truth, knowledge, and justice, Wilfred earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida A&M University, where he proudly played the trumpet with the renowned Marching 100 band and became a charter member of university's chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity grounded in the values of leadership, friendship, and service. He went on to earn a Master of Education from Alabama State University and later achieved a Ph.D. in Child Psychology from Universidad Interamericana in Mexico.  As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity—he carried forward a life-long commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. These values, embodied throughout his life, left a lasting mark on everyone he encountered.

Answering the call of duty, Wilfred served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. At Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was assigned to the elite 8457th Military Police Detachment and was entrusted with guarding the nation’s nuclear arsenal at a pivotal moment in Cold War history. His discipline and exceptional marksmanship earned him the Sharpshooter Medal, and his steady, quiet resolve left a lasting impression on those who served beside him.

While his military service spoke to his discipline and courage, it was in education that he found his true life’s calling. Beginning with autistic elementary students, Wilfred went on to transform the lives of countless middle schoolers in underserved neighborhoods of Mobile. As Director of MARC, an organization devoted to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, he expanded access to opportunity and care with compassion and conviction. Even years later, former students —now grown—would often recognize him in public and express their gratitude for the encouragement that helped shape their lives. 

Outside the classroom, his commitment to service remained constant. He volunteered as a coach for the local high school track and field team and led special needs troops in the Boy Scouts of America. For this outstanding dedication, he received the Silver Beaver Award—the highest honor a local council can bestow upon a registered Scouter.

Education, to Wilfred, was more than a career; it was a sacred right. He instilled this belief in his own children, nurturing their love of music, art, culture, and scholarship.  He was adamant that each of his daughters pursue, at a minimum, a master’s degree—an expectation that was remarkably forward-thinking for his time. His unwavering belief in their intellectual potential, at a time when women were rarely encouraged to seek advanced education, was a reflection of the values he lived by and the high standards he held for those he loved most.

A devoted traveler and lifelong learner, he especially loved road trips through the American Southwest or across the border to Mexico to visit family. These journeys—filled with conversation, discovery, and quiet joy—captured his expansive, adventurous spirit. At home, he could often be found deep in a book, particularly on military and war history, drawn to stories of courage, leadership, and consequence.

In 1965, Wilfred marched in Mobile alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in support of voting rights and social justice. His activism, like much of his life, was grounded in quiet strength and moral clarity. During weekly Sunday family gatherings, he often turned conversations toward the injustices and suffering endured by people around the world—believing it was essential to witness, acknowledge, and give voice to those whose stories might otherwise be forgotten.

Wilfred is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Juana Allen, and by his three daughters: Adrienne Stapleton (Leslie), Jacqueline Allen Patterson (Darwin), and Dominique Allen. He was the proud grandfather of Selah Stapleton, Christina Stapleton, Maya Swift, and Grant Swift, and lovingly embraced his step-grandchildren—Brooklynn Patterson, Raleigh Patterson, Ellis Patterson, and Hampton Patterson, children of Darwin Patterson—welcoming them into the family with affection and quiet pride. To each of them, he was, and will always be, a steady compass and trusted protector, with lessons that will continue to guide their choices and values for years to come.

Dr. Wilfred Jack Allen lived a simple, noble, and deeply impactful life. He sought knowledge, gave love without pretense, and built a legacy grounded in dignity and truth. His mind was sharp, his spirit expansive, and his heart unwavering.

He will be deeply missed, always honored, and forever remembered—for his wisdom, his curiosity, his principled nature, and his quiet charisma.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, located at 13350 Ashford Point Dr., Houston, TX 77079. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside service and interment will follow at 1:45 p.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038. Please gather in Lane 2 no earlier than 1:30 p.m. At 1:45 p.m., we will be escorted to the designated pavilion.

Military Honors will be presented by the United States Army and Houston Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests one-time donations be made to St. Justin Martyr Parish's Social Ministry which offers a range of resources and services to help address issues such as homelessness, hunger, and poverty within the local community, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Thank you for visiting this memorial web page.  Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.