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William T. Allen

1936-2009

William Thomas "Tom" Allen, 72, of Cheyenne died unexpectedly June 20 in his home.

He was born Nov. 25, 1936, in Cheyenne and had lived here all of his life.

Mr. Allen graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1955 and obtained a BA and MA (+45) from the University of Northern Colorado. A love of sports was present throughout his life as an exceptional player and an ultimately amazing coach. He taught in the Laramie County School District for 28 years as a woodshop teacher, drivers education instructor and football and wrestling coach. He touched the lives of so many he played with, taught and/or coached.

After retirement from the school district, Mr. Allen built many homes in the Cheyenne area and developed a home inspection company, Home Inspection Service of Wyoming, where his knowledge of the building industry served Cheyenne and the surrounding area for 25 years.

Another great love was golf, which brought him in contact with lifelong friends. He loved woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren and attended sports events, umpired and refereed.

He was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church and was a regular worshiper.

Mr. Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Evelyn Allen of Cheyenne; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Machel Allen and Chuck and Shelley Allen all of Cheyenne; a daughter, Amy White of Denver; a brother and two sisters-in-law, James "Jim" and Sally Allen and Dorothy Allen all of Cheyenne; a sister, Beverly Coffin of Fremont, Calif.; seven wonderful grandchildren, Kara and Jenna White, Tug, Tao and MaeC Allen and Hagan and Brogan Allen; three nephews, Tom and Pat Allen and Merlyn Coffin and a niece, Jan Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Burris and Hazel Allen; a brother, Robert "Bob" Allen; a nephew, Mark Coffin; and brothers-in-law, Harold Ziegler, Merlyn Coffin and Ross Walker.

Much happiness in his life came from contact with his former students, who greeted him all around Cheyenne. He seemed to know everyone. God granted him the gift of a happy personality. He was dearly loved by his family and many friends and we know he is in heaven. No words can describe how much he will be missed.

Services are pending through Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.

In honor of Tom's love of Cheyenne Central High School and the color red...please wear red to his service. Thank you.

This is a paid obituary.

Online Condolences

Naomi wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:54 PM:

" I was so very sorry to hear about 'Uncle Tom'. Aunt Evelyn, Tim, Chuck and Amy my heart goes out to you so very much. I know how sad you all must be. You are in my prayers. Naomi Ziegler Young "

Linda McLees wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:02 AM:

" Mr. Allen was one of those special teachers one never forgets. His love and concern for his students was always apparent. He was my driver's ed teacher 40 years ago and I have always been greatful for his guidance. My condolences to his family. "

Carol Rumann wrote on Jun 24, 2009 3:40 PM:

" My deepest sympathy Evelyn to you and your
family. Tom was a great guy to work with and will be missed by many. God Bless "

Michael Geary wrote on Jun 24, 2009 10:13 AM:

" I had Mr. Allen as both a wrestling coach and drivers ed instructor 35 years ago. There was not a finer teacher, mentor or coach at CHS than Mr. Allen. Tom Allen was a role model to every student he taught. My condolences to the entire family. "

Delmar Stone wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:27 AM:

" I wrestled for East when "Mr Allen" coached Central, win or lose "Coach" always had a kind word for you. Later in the consruction industry he became "Tom" my friend. I was lucky to know him! "

The Parrys wrote on Jun 23, 2009 3:45 PM:

" Mrs Allen, our heartfelt condolences go out to you during your time of need. I remember the times that Tom would yell at me in the halls of Central to make sure I got to class on time and make sure I got to the rest of my life on time. He is a fine man and his loss will be felt by many. Chuck, Shelly & the kids are our close friends and we know they are hurting and we hurt with them. Just know our hearts are with you and we love you all. "

Central student 1978 wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:53 AM:

" I had Mr. Allen, as a teacher 31 years ago. He taught his students more than just academics. He taught us how to think beyond our high school years. What a long, full life he had. GOD BLESS! Class of 1978, Deb Myers "

yogi allen wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:47 AM:

" as i boy, i watched tommy allen play basketball in the new story gym, football in the warren bowl and softball at lion's park. he umpired our amer legion baseball games at pioneer park. altho we were not related, it was almost as if we were. i loved tommy. yogi allen "

Diana McDougal wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:45 AM:

" I am greatly saddened by this news. Tom was an inspiration for many teachers in this district. My heartfelt sympathies to Evelyn and family. "

Jeff Adams wrote on Jun 23, 2009 6:26 AM:

" As a student Tom had a tremendous impact on my life. He cared about kids and was able to straighten them out when necessary. When he found out I could not afford the optional driving portion of drivers ed, he taught me for free. I could give many examples of his kindness in my life. May God's blessing be on his family in this loss. "

Curt Loghry -Omaha wrote on Jun 23, 2009 5:55 AM:

" Uncle Tom shaped me into the person i am today.He was a big insperation to me in difficult times. I will continue to pray for comfort and healing for the family. "

Rocky Lori wrote on Jun 23, 2009 5:51 AM:

" Our deepest condolences to you and the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy~ "

Sue Tuthill wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:12 PM:

" What can I say about Uncle Tom that does him justice? Words are hard to find. When I was a little girl he told me I could do anything. He was right!!!!!!

Family gatherings won't be the same and he will be missed so much!!!!!

I love you Aunt Evelyn, Tim, Chuck and Amy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Dan Piel-Dayton NV wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:50 PM:

" Our condolences and prayers go out to Tom's family. As a colleague and friend, I worked with Tom for many years at Cheyenne Central. I even played golf with Louie Chavez,and Jim Godfrey, and him once. What an eye-opener! All three will now be playing in heaven. I enjoyed Tom at the CHS staff Christmas parties. Yes, Tom will be remembered for a life well lived. "

Dennis Wanda Neely Albuquerque wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:32 PM:

" It is with great sadness that we learn of Tom's passing. He will always be remembered as a happy and jolly fellow who MC'd our CHS Class of '55 reunions. Our sincerest condolences to Evelyn and the entire Allen family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. "

Roger and Maureen wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:05 PM:

" What does one say at such a time ? We are still in shock, and so grieved for your loss. I have not called because I know how the days are, but we are praying continually for you, and hurt so for all of you. His memory will live not only in your hearts for years to come, but in all of ours who thought so much of him. Our love and prayers are with you. "

Jacquie DeHoff-Noonan wrote on Jun 22, 2009 9:56 AM:

" "I am so sorry to learn of this news. Chuck's Dad family will always have a place in my heart. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. "

Rich Lynette Diefenderfer wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:28 AM:

" Our sympathy to Evelyn and the entire Allen Family. Tom touched the lives of many and will be remembered as a caring and dedicated teacher. "

John Pickett Indiana wrote on Jun 22, 2009 7:38 AM:

" I am so sorry to learn of this news. Tom will be well remembered for a life well lived. My condolences to the entire family. Please know Tom and all of you are in my thoughts! "

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