Fred Jackson Allen Jr. of Hermiston died on Nov. 5, 2020 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland after a short illness at the age of 69.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1950 in Rossville, Ga. to Pauline and Fred J. Allen Sr.
The oldest of five children, he spent his formative years in Georgia and Tennessee. He attended Rossville High School, where he was an enthusiastic member of the jazz band. Fred graduated from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He was a member of the college’s ROTC program, which lead him to a 21-year career in the U.S. Army. Fred met the love of his life, Marie Baldo, in Huntsville, Ala. at a basic ammunition course. The couple were united in marriage on April 29, 1978. The Army took Fred to Alaska, Texas, New Jersey and Germany. Marie was also an Army officer, and they were able to serve together in New Jersey and Germany. When Fred retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army in 1995, he received the Legion of Merit award. The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. After his retirement, Fred worked at the demil site at Umatilla until he retired again.
He volunteered for CASA, eventually being asked to serve on the board the last few years. Fred volunteered as a tax preparer for AARP for the last five years. He also volunteered at Agape House in Hermiston.
Fred and Marie enjoyed traveling during their retirement; they traveled to Africa, Germany and the U.S. While stationed in Germany, he and Marie took advantage of their time there and traveled all over Europe and into Egypt. He also loved spending time with his three cats, two dachshunds and his friends. Fred was a true-blue friend. He was always willing to step up and help where he could. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Marie; his mother, Pauline; his four siblings, Cliff, Dora, Connie and Melissa; and many nieces and nephews, including many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred J. Allen Sr.
No service is planned currently due to COVID-19 restraints. There will be a memorial service later.
A private burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Agape House, 500 W. Harper Road, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Fred with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements
