Joseph "Joe" Wayne Allen Obituary (1951

Joseph "Joe" Wayne Allen, 69, of Niles, MI passed away on August 24, 2020 at 9:35 p.m. at Memorial Hospital of South Bend surrounded by his loved ones. Joe was born on January 21, 1951 in Benton Harbor, MI and he attended Pearl School. In 1958, his family moved to Eau Claire and he attended Eau Claire Elementary and High School. In 1967, his family moved to Niles and Joe graduated from Niles High School in 1971. Joe was a hard worker. During his lifetime, Joe worked at Simplicity Pattern Co. in Niles; Baker Rubber in Mishawaka; Jessco and Ameriwood in Dowagiac; and AACOA in Niles. Preceding Joe in death are his parents, Theo (1998) and Ruth (2003) Allen; a brother and sister who died in infancy, Denny Richmond (1998) and Fern Opal (1939); his younger sister, Rita Faye Allen (2016); and older brother, Ivan Leroy Allen (2016). Joe's survivors include 4 sisters, Dee (Mitch) Mitchell of Canton, Ioma Ruth Davis and Mary Catherine Unsicker both of Niles, Patricia (Wayne) Cooper of Tallahassee, FL; and a brother, Wesley (Pat) Allen of Niles. As a teenager, Joe gave his heart to Jesus and began living the Christian life. In later years, he frequently attended Michiana Christian Embassy (Niles), whose pastor is Jeff Whitaker. Joe's pleasant disposition and likable personality endeared him to his family members and friends. Two of Joe's passions were cooking and fishing. Hoven Funeral Home is in charge of his final arrangements and cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to Michigan Christian Embassy. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfuneral.com.