Reas Elwood Allen's Obituary
Reas Elwood Allen was born September 28, 1947 in Grand Junction, Colorado and passed away April 5, 2024 in Orem, Utah. Third child to Jack Lewis Allen and Zela Virginia Arnspiger, his father wrote in his autobiography, "Reas was born 28 September 1947 and about caused his grandfather to have a nervous breakdown. He was supposed to arrive on 28 August and was exactly one month late. His grandparents were waiting to leave for California and his grandmother wouldn't leave until he arrived."
When Reas was 2 years old his family moved to Los Angeles, California where he would be raised with his sister, Carol Ann, and brothers Ray Glen "Toby" and Larry Lee. Zela's youngest brother, Jack Arnspiger moved in with them in 1950 when his father died and would be raised with them.
Reas met, fell in love with and married Debra Jean Richards. They were married on July 22, 1967 in Tarzana, California and later sealed in the Oakland Temple. Reas received his draft notice on the day of their wedding rehearsal and spent two years in the Army with the last 11 months being in Korea. Reas was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. Although he ended up in Korea, the controversy over Vietnam was felt by all veterans coming home. He put that time behind him and rarely spoke of his experiences. It wasn't until his grandchildren began to ask him about it that he could show the pride he felt in serving his country. As time went on, he became the "poster boy" for patriotism and the Army. He always wore his Army cap with pins for the infantry in which he served. His grandson, David, spent many Sunday afternoons interviewing him about his life and experiences in the Army.
Reas and Debbie raised a beautiful family of 5 children. Kari Ann (Carlos) Iglesias, Kathie Kay (Chad) Tone, Thomas Ray (Brooke) Allen, Curtis Robert (Alissa) Allen and Daniel Steven (Tausha) Allen. They have 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with one more on the way. He would be a father figure to many more along the way, including Bryan Gutierrez and also Andrew Jacobson who lived with them for a while during high school until he left on his mission.
Reas recently said of his wife" I have a beautiful wife that treats me better than I deserve." He loved her dearly. Reas was extremely involved in his children's lives. He was father, coach, mentor, teacher, cheerleader and friend. He coached his kids in t-ball, basketball, baseball and softball. He supported Debbie in her role as camp director and went to girls' camp to take care of her and his daughters and their friends many times over the years. We still hear his coaching and life advice in our heads often. He taught his daughters that they could do anything the boys could do and expected good things from his kids always. His nieces and nephews love him like a father, and he loved them intensely and always appreciated their visits and calls. He loved golfing with his sons and with his friends "the old guys". He was so sad to not be able to do that in the last year. Helping at Kid's Club at Home Depot every month really lifted his spirits. He loved his friends at Home Depot, and he was there in March laughing with them and teasing the kids. He had a ready smile, his hugs were well known. He loved to smile and make people laugh.
As much as Reas loved his children and wife, he lived for his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to games and performances. He loved supporting them in everything they did. They were his pride and joy and they are what kept him on this Earth for as long as he was here. He loved them completely, he didn't want to leave them and told them he loved them at every opportunity.
He was a builder by trade and worked with family for many years, learning from them and teaching them. Up until the end he was making sure that he shared all his knowledge with his children. Construction work led to many moves. The family lived in California, Oregon and Arizona for work and finally landed in Utah for the past 19 years. He made friends everywhere he went and is loved by many.
Reas was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and fought a valiant fight for the past 15+ years. The family wishes to thank our dear friend Nancy Trapnell from Enhabit Hospice, who took care of and loved him and mom for the past year. We wish to also thank Ann and Jared from Enhabit as well who were there for him in the end.
Reas was preceded in death by his mother, father and three siblings. He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughters Kari and Kathie and sons Tom, Curt and Daniel as well as his 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Dad, enjoy the heavenly reunion with your family! We love you and will see you soon.
Services will be held at the Orem Stake Center at 481 East Center Street in Orem Utah Saturday April 13, 2024 at 12:30pm. Viewing at 11:30 at the same location. Burial will be at the Orem Cemetery 1520 N 800 E.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Reas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Reas?
Share a story where Reas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Reas you’ll never forget.
How did Reas make you smile?
