Robert L. Allen

Oct. 31, 1938-April 12, 2023

Robert L. Allen, 84, of Findlay passed away April 12, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

He was born to Ethel and D.W. Allen on Oct. 31, 1938, at Crawfordsville.

During high school, Robert joined the Indiana National Guards. After graduating in 1957, he worked at RR Donnelly’s before joining the Navy with two of his classmates. Between 1957 through 1961, Bob served on the carrier USS Kearsarge CVA-33 for a year before volunteering to go to Hawaii. As a crew member, he also served in VR-21 at Barbers Point Naval States. Bob flew all over the Pacific Islands, Japan and the Philippines. Bob was honorably discharged on record in 1961 to return to Indiana. He earned and received the rank of AK3 with a great conduct medal. 

Bob attended LeTourneau College in Longview, Texas. After one year, he transferred to Indiana State University, graduating in 1966, with a B.A. in History. Bob moved to Findlay in 1967, coached Wrestling and officiated wrestling. He taught in the Caston School Corp for one year before getting married to Shirley Ann McKnight on July 1, 1967. Bob started the special education program at Fostoria High School in 1967. In 1972, he started teaching at Findlay High School and earned his master’s in education from Bowling Green State University in 1971. Bob retired in 1992 and substituted till 2004 when his son Tyler graduated.

Bob and Ann traveled throughout the U.S. and spent the winters in Arizona in their motor home.

Bob is survived by son Tyler L. Allen (Mallory Barfield) from Georgia; daughter Aryann A. (Ray) Bowers of Ohio; two grandchildren, Baylee A. Bowers and Mackenzy A. Bowers; one great-grandchild Emery R. Baker; brother Rev. Warren W. (Pat) Allen of Indiana; sister Janet Metzger of Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandparents and a sister at birth.

Friends and family may visit 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Road, Findlay, with Pastor Adam Borsay officiating. Bob’s graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.