Kenneth BobbyDee Allen

It is with heavy hearts and the deepest love, we share the unexpected passing of our father – the kind of man the world doesn’t make twice. On Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, Kenneth BobbyDee Allen, went to his heavenly home where he stepped into the embrace of loved ones who joyfully received him into his eternal peace.

Born on May 1, 1963, in Anna, Illinois, Kenneth came into this world spritely and spirited, with a soul meant for purpose and a life full of stories yet to be written. From the very beginning, he was always surrounded by a multitude of family and friends, and this held a very special place in his heart. He loved to listen to their stories and learn about their history, and later would share those stories with a strong sense of reflection, love, and pride. His favorite chapter of the family stories passed down typically revolved around the military. He had a profound sense of respect and admiration for all who served, and was honored to be related to (and even named after) such brave and courageous members of service. This led to a fascination with helicopters, tanks, battleships, and any military memorabilia. He had always wanted to ride in a helicopter and was nervously excited to get that opportunity. Once he got a taste, it was not long thereafter he began to take flying lessons, and each time he would return to the ground, his smile from the adrenaline rush was something you couldn’t miss.

When Kenneth was a young boy, he found something else that set his spirit aglow: Music. He loved all kinds of music and the sounds each instrument contributed to make the song complete. Over the years, he played many instruments — drums, guitar, harmonica, banjo, and steel guitar, just to name a few — but it was the piano that captured his heart. It became the voice through which his soul could be heard. He loved playing for family and friends, and often found himself playing in church. Anytime he was near a piano, you could safely lay down your bet that he would play it. The most surprising part that he would tell others is that he could not read sheet music. All 88 keys were played by ear, and nothing sounded more beautiful.

When the family made the move to Dayton, Ohio, Kenneth always carried his small-town roots with him wherever he went. He was a country boy tossed into the city lifestyle, which was quite a different experience. With his father driving trucks, Kenneth learned a lot about them as the years went by. He began his career in 1981 with Summit Towing, performing maintenance on semi-trucks at ABF Freight. This is where he would make many friends that felt like family, the place where he would begin his own business – Allen’s Truck & Tire Service. Having his own business gave him a chance to do something else that was very important to him, to help young men who needed guidance, offering support, wisdom, and encouragement to help them find their footing in life. He was an incredible mentor, having the heart to give them a chance to try to build a life for themselves through dedication, good work-ethic, and grit. He was also able to work with people he cared about when he began to hire family as well. Over the years, he also worked as a security guard for Ohio Entertainment Security (where he wore his badge proudly), in a few hotels as the head of maintenance (where he was the go to man for anything needed), and in a few trucking companies (where he drove semis locally and put in the windshield time). His final choice for a place of employment was working for Mad River Local Schools as a school custodian. He loved working hard to make the buildings a safe and clean place for the staff and the children. He made many friends among the careers he chose, and each one seemed to contribute experience to the one to come. He was the perfect blend of admirably ornery, approachable, and friendly, which is the type of person that makes any shift an adventure. In every role he was filled with pride, reliability, and the same lively spirit he brought to everything he did.

As a father, he was the best blend of tough love, strong values, and a deeply soft heart. He showed up to dance recitals, school assemblies, art shows, band concerts, choir concerts (both at school and the German club), cheerleading events, and baseball games, showing support and being proud of our accomplishments. He went with us on walks, attempted to roller skate, tried to teach us to fish, exposed us to his music, taught us to play different instruments, and even attended rock concerts for bands that probably made him question our musical taste. He was a proud girl dad through and through. He often thanked our mother Rena for not only giving him two amazing daughters, but also thanked her for the love she put into all of our lives. He always reminded us that we had such amazing talents and how we could do anything we set our minds to. He particularly loved the holidays and family gathering together. He always welcomed everyone and for most events, didn’t want the celebration to end. He absolutely loved being with family.

As a Pawpaw, he was the softest, most loving, and incredibly smitten with his granddaughters. He was over the moon when he found out he was going to be a grandpa of twin girls. He loved to spoil them, play with them, tease them, and hug them. To him they could do no wrong, so it was not even worth stating if they did so. He really enjoyed sitting with them in front of a piano and loved that they showed an interest in singing. He never struggled to juggle the joys – times two and loved every minute he could squeeze out being around them. His grandchildren hold his smile and his laughter the closest to their hearts.

Kenneth was a son, brother, uncle, dad, pawpaw, and friend — a man who truly never met a stranger. His story cannot be contained in a few paragraphs. The memories he created, the people he helped, and the love he gave stretch far beyond what words can hold. This is only the tip of the iceberg of the man we celebrate.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Harry and Carolyn Allen, as well as many cherished loved ones.

He is survived by his previous wife Rena Coterel, their beloved children, Valene Allen and Ashley Allen; their treasured grandchildren, Lillee Allen and Sophee Allen; his siblings, Darryl Allen, Angela (Don) Haines, Brenda Allen, and Teresa Allen; and his siblings, Steven (Kathy) Allen, Bruce (Brenda) Allen, Wilma (Edward) Bartlett, and Deanna Allen; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Each one held a special place in his heart.

Though the impact of this loss is immeasurable, we are grateful beyond words for the time we had. His legacy will live on in all those he touched as we keep his love in our hearts, his laughter in our minds, and his memory in our souls.

He revealed to us how to live, how to love, and how showing up in 1963 with a soul meant for purpose produced a life full of stories that were thoughtfully written. Well done, Dad!

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459).  Funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Miami-Corwin Cemetery in Waynesville, OH.

To share a memory of Kenneth or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.