Joseph "Raymond" Allen, 102, of Centerton, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Earlene Howard Hospice Home in Springdale. Raymond was born on February 28, 1917, at Locke, Arkansas, to Claud and Ruie Teague Allen. He married Zula Faye Holt on May 16, 1942, in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Raymond served with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for 27 years working at the Charlie Craig Hatchery in Centerton. He also raised poultry and beef cattle for a number of years. At the age of 96, he decided to retire from farming. He was a member of Radiant Life Church in Bentonville and served in various positions for approximately 58 years. His goals were to serve God, his family, and others. He enjoyed gardening, working, traveling and socializing. Raymond entertained others with his stories of 102 years of living. He attributed his longevity to Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV "Honor your father and mother"- which is the first commandment with a promise- "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Zula, of 72 years; his son-in-law, Bradley Morris of Springdale, Ark.; two brothers, William Allen of Rogers, Ark. and Merle Allen of Zillah, Wash.; and two sisters, Juanita Wells of Kent, Wash. and Lorene Manning of Oklahoma City, Okla. Raymond is survived by his daughters, Marilyn (Douglas) Shultz and Sheila Morris; one grandson, Scott Morris; one granddaughter, Jillian (Cameron) Ramoly, all of Springdale; three sisters, Bonnie Self of Norman, Okla., Jean Carroll of Tulsa, Okla., and Joan Artman of Rogers, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews that honored him with visits, respect, and love. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 4-6 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10 AM at The Assembly, 2909 Cheri Whitlock, Siloam Springs. Pastors Gary Wheat, Phil Johnson, and Galen Pearcy will officiate the service. Interment will be at Locke Cemetery, Locke, Ark. Memorials may be made to: Radiant Life Church, 915 W. Central Ave., Bentonville, Ark. 72712.

Published May 2, 2019