Kerry D. Allen

Saturday, April 11, 2015

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Lebanon High School Gymnasium, Lebanon, IL.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

12:00 pm

Lebanon High School Gymnasium, Lebanon, IL.

Kerry D. Allen, 58, of Lebanon, IL, born February 20, 1957, in Davenport, Iowa, departed this life Tuesday, April 7, 2015, after a long courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. His heart just could not keep up with all the love he had for each & everyone.

Kerry accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life. He was educated in the Lebanon district, graduating from Lebanon High School. He worked for many years for the Lebanon School District and over 20 years with the City of Lebanon.  He coached the Lebanon High School Girls and Boys Basketball teams for many years, as well as Lebanon High & Grade School Boys Baseball Teams. For the last several years, he coached the Lebanon Junior High School Girls Basketball team, bringing them in a State title, in 2014. This accompanied a Coach of the Year award, along with the Key to the City. He was truly a class act!  

Kerry was united in holy matrimony to Betsy Allen, nee Cook in December of 1992.

Kerry touched the lives of each and every person he came into contact with. The inspiration he brought to the youth, nationwide, was amazing. He found joy in mentoring, developing, and encouraging his players. He had a place in his heart for all, and showed it in numerous ways, whether it be a story, a laugh, a stern lesson, word of encouragement, or simply a smile. He truly was an admirable and wonderful man whose strength was never ending. He had a special relationship with his daughter, and grandchildren. Not a day went by, without a word about his beloved Tara, B, and Darien. He enjoyed every moment he had with his family and always was there to provide anything in his power for them. He was truly one of a kind and a blessing from above. He instilled strength, motivation, courage, wisdom, and love into all of us. He will always be dearly missed, but never ever forgotten.

A hero in many lives; simply stated, he was an inspirational and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, coach and an extraordinary friend!

Kerry was preceded in death by his mother, Verda A. Crump, mother & father in law, Donald & Phyllis Cook; maternal and paternal grandparents; one uncle, Sunny Price, three aunts, Bernice Burke, Betty Price and Olivia Edwards.

Kerry leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife, Betsy Allen; his father, Robert (Paulette) Crump;  his devoted daughter, Tara Webster; his beloved grandchildren, Kiera & Darien; his sister, Kimberly (Woranat) Crump-Cholsakorn, brothers, Gayland Crump, Leslie Crump, Garry (Deann) Crump, and Mark (Regina) Crump; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kerry also leaves his memory to be cherished by a host of other very special family, City of Lebanon friends and coworkers, along with a host of other incredible friends, coaches & players. 

Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements may be sent to Lebanon High School, Saturday by 09:00 am.

A letter from Coach Allen

To my dearest family, friends, players and entire Lebanon community, some things I’d like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; no more pain
here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.

I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
then you can say to God at night....My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;

Keep reaching for those stars, keep bouncing that ball, swinging that bat, keep your heads up and remember I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

Visitation:  Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lebanon High School Gymnasium, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral:  Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 12:00 pm, at Lebanon High School Gymnasium, Lebanon, IL.

Interment:  At a later date.

Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, Illinois.