Johnny Joe Allen

Johnny Joe Allen was born on September 10, 1940 to parents Daniel Allen, and Mary Buckner Allen, in Camden, NJ... but he got to Texas as quickly as possible. He was 77 years old when he passed on December 21, 2017. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Daniel K Allen. Johnny is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elaine Hyman Allen, and their two daughters, Marci Henderson, and Mary Keating. Along with son-in-laws, Jon Henderson and Jason Keating. And grandchildren Colton and Morgan Henderson, and Calliope and Penelope Keating, as well as godchildren Lisa Allen Perry and Nic Rady. John graduated from Lamar high school near his boyhood home in Houston, and from Sam Houston State University in his chosen hometown of Huntsville. He worked for TDC, Travelers Insurance, and became a business owner when he purchased Rainbow Roller Rink in Houston with his partners Dick Phillips, and Tom Olbrych in 1971. They soon grew to 5 rinks throughout the Southwest, including Huntsville and Conroe, which is still family owned and operated. He was a lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and The Knights of Columbus. John loved the outdoor life, hunting, fishing, driving tractors, and classic automobiles. He passed his love for hard work, vintage cars, and helping others along to his children and grandchildren. He helped establish the Walker County 100 Club, and was a founding member of the Walker County Fair Association, and the General Sam Houston Folk Festival. Johnny was a pillar of his community. He was a father figure to many who passed through the rink in their youth; helping kids to forge their own paths, as he had done for himself and his family for so many years. He had the "gift of the gab", and always had time for a good story, a bad joke, or a long game of 42. He had his own style of "take charge" attitude, from designing and building his house and roller rink, to planning his daughters weddings. Johnny was both mentor and friend to other rink owners all around him. He was never one to shun a late night request from a fellow rink owner out of supplies, or a young businessman who needed someone to "tell it like it is." He never seemed to slow down, but was always "going in circles", as he put it. His forward momentum was unparalleled, and in his final days commented that it had been a "wild ride", and that he wouldn't change it for anything." Family will receive friends from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with Rosary at 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 in Huntsville, TX at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held 11:00am on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Elmina Cemetery, New Waverly, TX. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Johnny Joe Allen

September 10, 1940 - December 21, 2017