Born in Aberdeen Aug. 3, 1932, he attended Central High there, where he was a standout in track and field and baseball. He was recruited by and played for the University of Colorado baseball team. He transferred to Northern State College, from which he graduated.
Allen served in the U.S. Army for two years in Germany, returning to Aberdeen to work for the Aberdeen American News and the S.D. Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Allen moved his family west in the early 1960s, working for the Santa Ana Register and Catholic Register. He then worked as an editor at the L.A. Herald Examiner and L.A. Times. Allen wrapped up his career in 1993 after 20 years with the San Diego Union.
Allen led a full life in retirement, traveling extensively with his wife, Caryl, whom he married June 6, 1988. He was an avid golfer and had a regular weekly game with close friends for many years.
Allen leaves his beloved wife of 25 years, Caryl, along with three children from his first marriage: Stuart, Holly Daly and Merry Burns; four grandchildren; two stepchildren; and six stepgrandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Scripps Research Institute.