Richard "Dicky" W. Allen

Richard (Dicky) Wardell Allen was born November 17th, 1947, to William Alfonso Allen III and Gladys Marie Allen in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of two boys and adored his older brother William (Billy) who proceeded him in death.

Richard graduated in 1966 from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Ohio where excelled in sports, specifically track & field.

Following John Adams, Richard attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and was in the ROTC programs. Shortly after he was accepted into the Plumbers Pipefitters Local 120 where he was 1 of 10 African Americans accepted into the union. He was proud of his trade and mentored dozens of upcoming hopefuls in the industry. He worked as a welder and pipefitter for 40 years and contributed to rebuilding many of the hospitals, universities , and sport facilities in the greater Cleveland area. Many of which he was the lead project manager and are staples that contribute to the Cleveland skyline.

Richard met Gwendolyn at Charles W. Elliot Middle School and the two married in 1968. From that union Kevin and Michelle were born. In 1985 Arionne (Rita) was born.

Richard was united in holy matrimony on August 16, 1995, to his loving wife Doris Anderson, They were married 26 years and enjoyed traveling and hosting their family and friends. They visited many beautiful destinations with loved ones before his health started to decline.

Upon retiring on September 16, 2008, Richard enjoyed visiting family and spending time with his friends. He was very talented with his hands and was often called to help fix, repair and rebuild things. One of his many talents included making salmon croquets, sweet potato pies and oxtail soup from his mother's recipes. He enjoyed golfing, cars, going to concerts, watching sports, listening to jazz and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a good and faithful friend to many people and especially his classmates from Elliott, John Adams and Central State University. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist church since 1995.

On August 1, 2022, after a long fruitful life, Richard received his wings and is now safely in the arms of Jesus.

Richard leaves to treasure his memory: his wife Doris, children; Kevin (Tiffany), Michelle (David), Arionne (Johnathan) and Amanda (Mark), grandsons; Kenneth and Langston, granddaughters; Chasmine, Kevona (Gerald), Danae, Cheyanne, and Nina, great grandchildren; Nahla and Nasir, brother; William Allen-deceased (Janice), nephew; Marcus, Niece; Dawn (Kevin), cousins; Jacquelyn (Mike), Susan, Marguerite (deceased), Janet (Robert), Karen Anthony and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including the John Adams class of 66'.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Dicky" W. Allen, please visit our floral store.