Clarence "Pete" Allen

Funeral services for Mr. Clarence “Pete” Allen, 87, of Linden, Texas, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Linden. Burial will follow at New Colony Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. There will be a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and lasting until service time.

Mr. Allen passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Pete was born May 8, 1938, in Bossier City, Louisiana to Clarence “Bud” Allen, Sr. and Lillie Belle Elrod Allen. A devoted Christian and a true family man, Pete’s faith was something he practiced daily in the way he treated people and cared for those around him. He attended Center Hill Baptist Church and believed strongly in showing kindness, offering help when it was needed, and making others feel welcome. Pete had a caring heart and a natural way of connecting with people. He had a special place in his heart for children and the elderly, though he never quite seemed to realize that he himself had become one of the elderly. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He was proud of each of them and treasured every moment spent with them, whether it was at the ball field, outdoors, or gathered together at home.

Pete was a true outdoorsman whose love for hunting and fishing was a big part of his life. He loved any chance to spend time outdoors. He began coaching and umpiring when he was just 19 years old and continued for decades, likely having coached or umpired most of the kids in Cass County at one time or another. His love for the sport stayed with him throughout his life, and in recent years he still enjoyed giving coaching advice to his granddaughter.

In his younger years, Pete played minor league baseball as a catcher and later became an All-Star men’s slow-pitch softball pitcher. His love of the game never faded, and he continued playing slow-pitch softball well into his 60s, staying active, energetic, and young at heart throughout his life.

Pete was also a proud Special Olympics parent volunteer and a loyal fan of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, faithfully watching and cheering them on through every win and loss. He retired from the Texas Department of Transportation after 36 years of dedicated service. Pete had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. To know him was to love him, and everyone loved Pete.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Patsy Allen; and his brother, Jack Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Judy Allen; his children, JoLynn Woods (Ralph), Ricky Allen (Kim), and Jamee Quaid; he was “Pop” to five grandchildren, Nicholas Woods (Stacy), Michael Woods, Elizabeth Ritchey (Trent), James “J.L.” Allen, and his special sidekick, Jacee Quaid; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Franklin Allen (Deana); sister-in-law, Carolyn Allen; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Roberts (Colette), Dennis Roberts (Hattie), and Darrell Roberts (Pam); his faithful companions, Annie and Lucee, who remained by his side until the very end; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Heritage Hospice for the compassion, kindness, and attentive care they provided to Pete and the family. Their support brought comfort and peace during his final days.

For those wishing to honor Pete’s memory with a memorial contribution, the family suggests donations be made to Laws Chapel Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 102, Atlanta, Texas 75551, or New Colony Cemetery Association, 2798 FM 1841, Linden, Texas 75563.