O. D. "Dave" Allen

Oda David (Dave) Allen, 92, of Southlake, passed away Wednesday, April 12th, in his home, next door to his daughter’s family. Up until the time of his death, Dave was living independently and was proud that he was blessed and able to do so.

Dave was born on August 25, 1930 in Sherman, Texas to Leslie Lenzy Allen and Lucille Gibson. He was their second son out of four boys that Leslie and Lucille would welcome into the world over a span of eighteen years. Shortly after Dave’s birth, the family moved to Tarrant County, settling in Saginaw. After Dave graduated from North Side High School in 1947, he landed his first job “polishing aircraft” for American Airways which was later rebranded as American Airlines. In September of 1950, Dave enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy where he was trained as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic. It was while serving in the Navy that Dave married his first, second and only wife, Joyce Simmons. Though the union did not endure, it did produce his two greatest loves, son, David Gibson and daughter, Vickie Lynn.

In 1954, after serving in the navy, he returned to American Airlines who soon offered him the opportunity to study and train to be a Flight Engineer. His fascination with aviation and his eagerness to see the world made for a perfect fit and the chance of a lifetime. He loved his job and never begrudged a day at work. Most of the 1970s was spent as a Flight Instructor at the American Airlines Flight Academy. Then sometime in the 1980s he returned to active flying as a Boing 747 Flight Engineer. He was well respected by his peers, coworkers and management. In October 1993, Dave retired with 45 years seniority, from his one and only Employer, American Airlines, with the exception of his military service.

Although Dave did not have the means nor the opportunity to attend college, he was always an avid reader, inquisitive thinker and loved to study. He absorbed himself in history through books and his many travels. He was fascinated with the sciences, particularly any knowledge available about our earth, our universe, constellations…the known and the speculative. He wanted our world to exist peacefully so he studied many religions to gain an understanding in the thought processes of the various cultures in our world. Dave was so fascinated by astronomy and history that he often commented that he would have loved to have been an Astronomer or an Archaeologist. It was not at all uncommon for him to be reading two or three books simultaneously, and mostly preferred hardcover. He did not adapt well to the Kindle that he received as a gift from Vickie, and found no interest in Fiction.

Dave was an accomplished amateur poker player and made playing in tournaments his greatest hobby. He met and became fast friends with many that shared his passion for poker, most notably, Jerry Buhr. Despite their age difference, they hit it off and became thick as thieves. Their friendship remained throughout Dave’s life and Jerry and his partner, Joan Doerhoff, became a part of Dave’s family and Dave became a part of theirs.

Dave’s greatest heartbreak was the loss of his beloved son, David, in 2009 to colon cancer. The two were more than Father and Son, they were best friends. It is comforting to Vickie to know that the two of them are reunited and that, for Dave, his silent grieving has reached its end.

Dave’s Great Grandson, Aiden, became his newfound joy and hope. Aiden was an ever-present fixture in Dave’s life, especially the last 3 years living next door to one another. Aiden, Kalise and Apollo always brought a twinkle to “Grandpa Dave’s” eye whenever they were near.

Dave enjoyed a long life and was an all-around fun guy. In his prime, his interest included: playing golf with his buddies at Diamond Oaks Country Club; cheering on the Dallas Cowboys as a season ticket holder at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium; exploring and walking about on layovers with crew members; telling stories from his life experiences; eating at his favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, Joe T. Garcia’s; being surrounded by his family and friends.

All of his life, Dave was honest, loyal, dependable, hard-working, compassionate, generous, opinionated and liked to be in control. In his twilight years he grew to be more gentle, patient, softer and reflective. Most importantly, he was lovingly devoted to his family, his friends, his children and their families. He was the best!

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Lucille Allen; his beloved son, David Gibson Allen; brothers Leslie LeRoy Allen and Thomas Freeman Allen; ex-wife Joyce Simmons Weast.

Dave leaves behind his daughter Vickie Lynn Garrison and her husband Robert; grandchildren Mallory Garrison Pena and husband Juan, and Ryan Garrison; three great grandchildren, Aiden, Kalise, and Apollo; brother John William Allen; Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Allen; Cousin Patricia Harbick and husband Howard; niece Teresa Canterbury and husband Ric and family; niece Tommie LaRue; Vickie’s sister Marsha Weast Griffin and husband Allen and family; the Simmons’ family nieces and nephews: Carolyn, Royce, Pam, Doug, Susan, Cindi, and Phillip; dearest friends Jerry Buhr and Joan Doerhoff, Pamela Van Alst and many, many friends.

A private memorial service will take place, per his request. If so moved, in memory of Dave, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice or one of the following: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or American Cancer Society.