Joe Frank Allen Dies Suddenly
By Guy Henry

Joe Frank Allen, dean of Jefferson county's lawyers and a man who became a legend in his own time in his home town, died at 8:00 o'clock this morning at his home, 121 north 13th street.

Funeral services for Mr. Allen will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Myers Chapel. Dr. Clyde Funkhouser will officiate and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. The body will lie in state at Myers Chapel, where friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

Mr. Allen was born April 5, 1895 in Jefferson county, the son of John F. and Margaret Allen.

On June 17, 1925, he was married in St. Louis, to Ruth Patterson, who survives.

Mr. Allen was a member of the First Methodist church, a past commander of the local American Legion Post, and a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks, Moose, Veterans of World War I, Jefferson County Bar Association and Illinois Bar Association.

Joe Frank was a master orator and story-teller. An example of that is well remembered by fellow lawyers. The occasion-on April 28, 1967- was a Jefferson County Bar Association banquet at which he was honored for 47 years of service. Circuit judges joined local lawyers to laud Joe Frank for almost a half century of outstanding service to his profession and the people of his county. At that meeting it was noted that he kept the Bar Association "on an even keel" and that he helped establish firm and long-lasting friendships and harmony among the lawyers of the area. After the Bar Association adopted a citation honoring him, Joe Frank was called on to be the speaker in observance of Law Day USA. He delivered a ringing speech on Americanism that fellow lawyers were talking about for weeks.

Mr. Allen was prominent in Republican party circles for many years.

Over the years he had become an institution in his home town. He will be missed.

Surviving besides his wife, is a sister, Mrs. Katie Mae Hart of Mt. Vernon.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford