Delbert Earl "Pete" Allen

Delbert Earl "Pete" Allen, 81, of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Sanibel Island, Fla., passed away on November 25, 2022. Pete was born on June 28, 1941, to Delbert and Charlotte Allen in Siloam Springs, Ark. Pete married his high school sweetheart, Pat Sykes, on May 27, 1961. Pete and Pat were blessed with three children, David, Doug, and Julie. Pete began his career at a young age rolling cans at Allen Canning Company's country plant. He owned his first semi-trailer truck at the age of 15 and began hauling product for the family business. Pete was named Owner/President and CEO of Allen Canning Company in 1970 and served in this role until he sold the business and retired in 1999. Pete had a reputation for knowing everyone in the business and all his employees, which he always said were "the best in the business". He handled every acquisition for Allen Canning as it grew from a small regional canner to the largest privately owned food processor in the world. Pete served on the boards of directors of several organizations including as Chairman of the National Food Processors Association, President of the Ozark Food Processors Association, President of Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital Board and Chairman of Arkansas State Bank. He served on the board of World Orphans for many years and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Siloam Springs. After retiring, Pete enjoyed reading and sitting on the front porch at his ranch with his dog, bird hunting, fishing, and walking the beach on Sanibel Island. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert, and Charlotte Allen, and one grandson, Campbell Allen. He is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home. He is also survived by his children, David Earl Allen of Siloam Springs, Ark., Doug and his wife, Michelle Allen of Rogers, Ark., and Julie and her husband, Les Davis of Siloam Springs, Ark. Pete was a proud Papa to 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A private graveside service is planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Dustin's Dream (www.dustinsdream.net), Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest, or World Orphans (www.worldorphans.org). An online guestbook is available at www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Pete Allen lives on in the hearts and minds of his loving family and friends.