Jerry Rensslear Allen

Jerry Rensslear Allen passed peacefully away on December 15, 2020, after a prolonged illness. He was born in Lake City, Michigan, on April 22, 1929 to Eugene and Leone Allen. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and two brothers, Russell and Harold. Jerry loved being a Texan, but he never forgot his Michigan roots. Jerry, also known as Pop, leaves a legacy of faith and love to his devoted wife and family. Jerry grew up in Manton, Michigan, and attended Manton High School where he graduated in 1947 and played on the state championship basketball team. He always claimed he was on the team to help keep the grade point average up. Jerry matriculated to Michigan Tech and he graduated in 1951 with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduation, he began work in Indiana, but he was soon transferred to Monroe, Louisiana, where he met the love of his life, Myrtle Flowers. Jerry and Myrtle were married in April of 1954. They moved to Big Spring, Texas in 1956, while he was an engineer for Cosden, later Fina Oil. Jerry began his love affair with Texas at that time. His work years were spent in Terre Haute, Indiana; Monroe, Louisiana; Big Spring and Dallas, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa and El Dorado, Kansas, working for multiple oil and gas companies. He returned to Arlington upon retirement. In retirement, he worked for his friend Dick Davis at G.E.C. Jerry and Myrtle raised two sons in Big Spring, and later in Arlington, Texas. Jerry's hobbies included playing bridge and cribbage, as well as putting together numerous puzzles with his grandchildren. He fancied himself an amateur inventor. Jerry worked with a group of men making wooden toys for underprivileged children and crosses for people's yards. He was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church and of ABC Sunday School Class, where he routinely updated the class on Michigan Tech sports. Jerry's wry sense of humor and wonderful smile will be fondly remembered by his family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife Myrtle, of 66 years; his sons Mark, and wife Ruth, and Mike, and wife Roxie; his grandchildren, Rebecca, Zachary, Christian, Russell and Hannah; and nieces and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the ABC Class of Trinity Missions. The family will gather in Houston for a small service and a Memorial Service honoring Jerry's life and legacy will be held at a later time in Arlington. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233