Daniel Clinton Allen, 85, departed life on November 22, 2020 in the home that he loved since 1971 and in the company of his loving family. Daniel’s body succumbed to cancer after a nearly three year battle, but he never stopped fighting and never lost hope. Daniel was fiercely loyal to his family and lifelong friends and is best described by his only surviving sister Marilyn as just a really good person. Daniel was born in Charles City, Virginia on December 14, 1934 to late parents Emanuel Allen and Lillian Bell Allen. Daniel was the youngest of five siblings (three sisters and one brother). When Daniel lost his parents at a young age his three sisters stepped in to raise him into the man that he became. Daniel spent the majority of his formative years in Richmond, Virginia growing and forming friendships that he maintained throughout his life.
Daniel joined the United States Navy in 1952 after graduating Armstrong High School and retired as a Master Chief Radioman. He married his first wife, Ann in 1960 and had two children, Michael and Michelle. Daniel was a strong stable provider for his children throughout their life. He loved to take things apart and put them back together and spent many hours tinkering in his beloved garage tool area he called the “shop”. His children loved to try to come into the “shop”, but being ever the protector, they were not allowed to pass beyond the entrance. To this day, his daughter is convinced that the time she spent watching him and talking from just outside is why she loves to work with her hands as well, and his son pursued a career as an engineer observing him work on electronics.
Daniel was an avid golfer and maintained a group of golfing friendships that anyone would envy. Everyone loved O Dan O, as his close friends called him, for his gentle kind soul who enjoyed his golf life immensely. During annual trips to Myrtle Beach and other golf locations, Daniel shared countless happy memories playing the game that he adored.
Daniel married his second wife Kathy in 1998 after being together for several years and remained married to Kathy until his death. Kathy loved cooking and Daniel was a happy well fed man during their years together. Thanks to the exercise golfing provided, he maintained his waistline amid all of Kathy’s great culinary delights. Daniel was a devoted husband to Kathy for nearly 22 years.
Following his Navy career, Daniel worked in private industry before becoming a Federal Government civil servant where he applied his expertise in combat systems. He retired for good as a Department of Defense contractor.
Daniel was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife Kathy Allen , his children Michelle and Michael Allen, his sister Marilyn Cunningham, his ex-wife Ann Allen, and many adoring nieces and nephews, and friends. We love you O Dan O, you will be in our hearts forever.