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West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Michael Allen
Michael Allen

Michael Shawn Allen was born the son of Archie Allen and Helen (Stith) Allen on June 27, 1962, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on May 28, 2017, at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 54 years.

He was united in marriage on May 16, 1999, in Thayer, Missouri, to Sharlet (Putman) Allen.

He is survived by his wife, Sharlet Allen, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; three children, Mikayla Shae Allen, Jadyn Sage Allen and Jordan Seth Reed and wife, Emily, all of Thayer, Missouri; three brothers, Harvey Allen and wife, Marcia, of Thayer, Missouri, Dane Allen of Springfield, Missouri, and Lark Allen of Gilbert, South Carolina; two sisters, Dian Hensley of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and Lana Armstrong and husband, Ernie of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Myla Reed of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Patricia Allen of Springfield, Missouri; five nephews, Eric Allen, Matthew Allen, Aaron Hensley, Andrew Hensley, and Nickolas Allen; one niece, Bevely Bailey; three great nieces; five great nephews; one great-great nephew; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Sharon Putman of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen Allen; one brother-in-law, Vernon Putman, Jr. and one infant niece.

Mike graduated from Thayer High School with the class of 1980. He was a prolific athlete, playing and earning accolades in football, track and basketball and also sang with the high school Boy’s Quartet. Mike was well-liked by his school-mates and was voted Mr. THS his senior year of high school. He made many friends while in school, many of which he kept for the duration of his life. After high school, Mike attended SMSU in Springfield, Missouri and worked at Bass Pro before moving back to Thayer and working for Allen American Realty as a real-estate agent for his family-owned real-estate office. He later began working at Cover Lumber Company in Thayer where he made many friends as well. Mike found a career in his father’s footsteps on the railroad where he was hired in 1996 for Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway as a conductor. In 1998 he became a locomotive engineer and spent the rest of his time with BNSF driving freight trains. Mike was a well-respected engineer and was well-liked by his colleagues, many of whom he grew close to during his 19 year career with BNSF.

Mike loved being outside, especially by the water. Going to the lake in the summer with his family and friends was a favorite past-time. He loved to boat and water-ski as well as to sit around the campfire with his loved ones. Mike had a love for travel that was instilled in him from his childhood. Mike took his family on many vacations to the beach where fond memories were made. He remained a life-long Thayer Bobcat supporter and fan. Mike loved attending Bobcat sports events, especially to watch his children play. Mike was a family-man at heart and found great joy in spending time with his wife and love of his life, whom he built a beautiful life and family with, his brothers and sisters who he always remained close to, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and his granddaughter, whom he was known to as “Poppy”.

Mike was a member of the Thayer Church of Christ and also attended church with his family at the Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church. He loved and enjoyed worshipping with both of his church families. He had a gift of being able to strike up a conversation and make people feel important. Mike’s sense of humor can be remembered by all. He loved to joke and make people laugh as much as he loved to laugh himself. There was seldom a dull moment when around Mike.

Mike’s laugh and loving nature, his kindness and willingness to help his family and friends and his warm smile will be cherished always by those who knew him. Mike will be remembered as a wonderful husband and dad, brother and uncle, as well as a friend.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Christ in Thayer with Shawn Deree officiating.

Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the ALS Association of St. Louis Regional at 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146 or may be left at the funeral home.

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9 Comments

  1. Marla Rogers
    May 29, 2017 @ 4:17 pm

    Harvey, Marcia and family….I’m so sorry for the loss of Mike. I share with you in the death of a brother and pray for comfort during this very sad time. I have nice memories of Mike always being a great guy.

  2. Leroy and Loretta Mills
    May 29, 2017 @ 6:29 pm

    Scharlet and children we send our love and prayers for strength for each hour and the days ahead. We love you and truly care. God Bless, Leroy and Loretta Mills

  3. Page Belongy
    May 30, 2017 @ 10:16 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a good guy and I have great memories of being his teammate in many sports while at Thayer High School. Mike had an infectious laugh and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with Scharlet and his children. To Harvey, it is hard to lose a sibling my heart goes out to you. Prayers.

  4. Lora Halcomb Wilson
    May 30, 2017 @ 10:17 am

    No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. Harvey, thank you so much for bringing Mike to mom’s visitation a couple of weeks ago–I so enjoyed talking to Mike and will cherish that time and that memory forever. Mike was truly a wonderful guy and I know he will be missed by so many. Sending prayers for comfort and please know my thoughts are with you all.

  5. Joe Rothgeb
    May 30, 2017 @ 9:49 pm

    To all of Mike’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I went to elementary and middle school with Mike and have a lot of great memories from my childhood with him. As I read the other postings about Mike, I would agree that he did have a great laugh. Mike was always a good friend to me as he was to many. Everyone liked Mike. May God be with all of you during this time.

  6. Tommy/Carolyn Lowery
    May 31, 2017 @ 8:44 am

    My wife and I wish to express our sincere condolences to a great family for the loss of your loved one. It is our wish and prayers that God be your strength and help during this time of sorrow.

  7. Cindi Poulson and Barbara Poulson
    May 31, 2017 @ 11:42 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Mike’s family. I had the privilege of going to school with Mike and he was truly one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Always smiling and if you were walking down Chestnut he’d holler out at you! I’m so thankful for the wonderful memories I have of Mike. He came to my rescue one night when we lived next door to each other and I had a burglar in my house and I hollered at Mike to help me, he was my hero and will forever have a special place in my heart. Harvey, I know losing a sibling is hard and we pray that God will give you strength and comfort at this time.

  8. Christi Freeman- Hashagen
    June 1, 2017 @ 10:46 am

    Michael was an amazing person. He was my first high school boyfriend and I have fond memories of that time. I will never forget his laugh and wonderful sense of humor. My sincere condolences

  9. Ronda Jewell (Baker)
    June 7, 2017 @ 12:25 pm

    To all of Mike’s family, He was a great guy. Always smiling and laughing. You all are in my prayers for your loss.