Allen W. Sylvester

ALLEN WHITFIELD SYLVESTER 1923-2009 Allen W. Sylvester was born in Huntsville, Texas September 23, 1923 and passed away on April 6, 2009. He was a Baptist in faith. Allen was preceded in death by his father and mother Henry Nathanial Sylvester and Chessie Mc Whorter Sylvester Holder, father and mother-in-law John William Pegoda, and Viola Thigpen Pegoda; a brother William "Bill" Sylvester, sister Barbara "Pedie" Andersen; two sister-in-laws Ernie Pegoda Herbst, and Opal Pegoda and a brother-in-law Murl Northcutt. He is survived by his wife (of 63 years) Reba P Sylvester, (son) Allen W. Sylvester Sr. and wife Noma, (daughter) Susan L Mitchell and husband Paul "Mitch". Grandchildren Allen W. and Janie M. Sylvester Jr., Kristi G. and Timothy "Tim" C. Rushing, and Karen M. and Michael "Mike" Mericle. Seven great-grand- children Johnathon Sylvester, Brennen Rushing, Jordan McDaniel, Duncan Mericle, Alexandria "Alex" Sylvester, Chance Rushing, and Andrew Sylvester. He is also survived by two sisters Sue and Kenneth Bounds and Dorothy Northcutt; sister-in-laws Sue and Jack Skidmore, Mary Ann and James "Jim" B. Cummings, Catherine and Hershal Sanders, and Molly Sylvester; two brother-in-laws John and Ruth Pegoda and Peter "Pete" and Peggy Pegoda. In addition to many nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces. Allen attended Huntsville schools until joining the US Army Air Corps on October 3, 1941. He served in Italy, France and Germany during WWII. Returning to Huntsville after his discharge in September of 1945, he married his childhood sweetheart on November 3, 1945 at Calvary Baptist Church. Deciding that civilian life was not for him, he joined the Air Force in 1946. Serving continuously in various capacities and locations until retirement in 1964 as a Master Sergeant. Returning to Huntsville once more, he went to work for the Texas Department of Corrections in 1964. He rose through the ranks to Assistant Chief of Food Service, Southern Units; retiring in December, 1986. After retirement he spent his time working in his yard and gardening. He enjoyed putting up the vegetables he grew. He loved being with his extended family and cooking many special meals for all of them. Christmas was one of his most favorite times. You may remember the “Christmas House” on highway 19/30 east. Starting in the late 1960's until he just was not physically up to the task, in the early 2000's; he would start as early as July putting up thousands of lights and in late November many yard decorations. Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Hershel Sanders and Reagan Cooksey, Pastor of Northside Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Sam Houston Funeral Home on April 8, 2009 from 4 PM to 7 PM. Pallbearers will be grandsons, great-grandsons and other family members. Honorary pallbearers are Paul "Mitch" Mitchell, James "Jim" Cummings, Peter "Pete" Pegoda, John Pegoda and Jack Skidmore. The family desires that attendees to Allen's Celebration of Life and Remembrance dress casually (to include blue jeans) if they so desire. In lieu of flowers, donations in Allen's name may be made to the charity, health or church of your choice. Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com

Allen W. Sylvester

September 23, 1923 - April 9, 2009