Col. Cecil Leroy Allen U.S. Army (Ret)

Cecil Leroy Allen, age 81, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 9, 2017. Cecil was born March 9, 1935 in Abilene, Texas to Roy Allen and Opal Allen Williams. Cecil met the love of his life, Tommie Grubbs, during high school at Wylie. They married June 3, 1954. They raised their three children, Lee Allen, Toni Tarpley, and Carrie Burt, at their home in Potosi, Texas. The entire time that Cecil was serving the Abilene Independent School District in various positions of responsibility, he was also serving his country, first in the Texas Army National Guard and finally in the US Army Reserve -- serving for a total of nearly 41 years. Described by just one of his young protégés, as "a leader of leaders," he rose from the lowest enlisted rank to the highest authorized officer's rank in the local military reserve units. He was a 17-year-old junior at Wylie High School when he enlisted in the TANG in 1953 as a "slick-sleeve" private in an artillery battalion. In 13 years, he worked his way all the way up to sergeant first class, serving as the battalion's first sergeant. He served in National Guard units in Huntsville while earning his bachelor of science and master of education degrees at Sam Houston State University. In 1966, his leadership and potential for more challenging assignments was recognized by local Army Reserve officials. He resigned from the TANG to accept a direct commission as a first lieutenant in the 490th Civil Affairs Company, a unit that had been formed by several veterans after World War II. Just as he had done in the National Guard, Cecil worked his way up to lieutenant colonel and was named the unit's commander 1981-84. During his command he led several 490th missions to augment active duty troops in Germany. The 490th was also recognized as one of the top civil affairs units in the nation, leading to Cecil being promoted to colonel after he completed his command. His extensive familiarity with the Army's active duty units stationed in Germany -- plus his years of working as a liaison officer to the German Territorial Forces -- led to a special assignment in special operations with the 1st Special Operations Command and the U.S. Commander in Chief Pacific at Fort Bragg, NC. His teaching background led to a three-year instructor assignment at the Army's elite John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, also at Fort Bragg. His reserve assignment was as Pacific Command Theater Chief in Special Operations. As such he participated in exercises with Western Command in Hawaii and Southern Command in Panama, as well as in Germany. He was transferred to the Retired Reserve in 1995, ending an active and reserve military career of 40 years and 10 months. He was a graduate of the prestigious Army's Command and General Staff College, as well as various civil affairs and special operations schools. His military decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Training Medal and Army Service Achievement Medal. Cecil attended Sam Houston State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree on Agricultural Education in 1957. He obtained his Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State University in 1958. He attended Abilene Christian University and Texas A&M University, receiving his administrator certificate in 1975. He began his teaching career in Pecos, Texas. After a year, Cecil returned to Abilene where he taught vocational agriculture for thirteen years. Cecil continued his career in education as a counselor then finishing his career as a vocational supervisor for secondary schools. Retiring in 1994, Cecil accumulated 35 years of service to the Abilene Independent School District. Cecil is survived by his wife Tommie, his son Lee Allen and wife Doris, daughters Toni and husband Matt Tarpley, and Carrie Burt, his brothers Harold Allen and Eugene Davis, sister Elizabeth Knorring, six grandchildren, Maci Raney, Lana Payne, Kristy Fitzwater, Troy Tarpley, Kristen Saylers, and Ashley Williams, as well as seven great grandchildren. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 11, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Funeral services will be 12:30 pm Thursday, January 12, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home chapel with Jonathan Storment officiating. Burial will follow in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Donations may be sent to the Abilene FFA Chapter in lieu of flowers.