Wendell Roger Allen

Wendell Roger Allen, Sr. peacefully passed away July 23, 2024 in Ogden Utah.  He was called home to rest by God.  He was born in Boston, MA August 30, 1943 to Herbert A. Allen and Emilie W Shoemaker.  

Wendell received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Iowa.  He was a big band, jazz and blues percussionist/drummer/musician.  He used to make his own conga drums, rainmakers, and some original instruments.  He was very passionate about music when he was still a musician.  Wendell also proudly serve in the United States Air Force as an Airman Basic.  

For a good part of his life you loved him or hated him.  That actually carried over even after he accepted Christ as his Savior.  He didn't really have a filter, if he needed to get his point across he would.  He cared about a lot of people so much that he would sometimes overcare and get a little pushy.  He meant well, was very helpful, loved to volunteer and share his journey with Christ helping to bring others to Christ.  He quit music for God.  I don't think anyone who had known him while he was a musician every saw that coming.  Most would say it would be impossible to imagine him without a drum set of some kind.  The change definitely made him a better man and he was able to heal some relationships because of the changes he made after really giving his life over to God and the church.  

Some of my  favorite memories were fishing as a kid.  We used to go to the catfish farm in Iowa and they had really big catfish there! My first canoe and fishing from a canoe on the river was pretty cool.  With almost all of my outdoor experiences, he was a big part of showing me or sending me.  One of my favorites was the Outward Bound trip to the Green River in Utah.  I learned to white water raft, read a river, hike, repel, rock climb and camp on my own without a tent for 48 hours.  Learning how to drive in his old van while I was in middle school.  Having drum tap offs or just keeping the rhythm while tapping on whatever surfaces we had around.  Even on my last visit to see him we tapped on some chairs.  I love the dedication he had of giving back to the Church, helping the homeless, counseling addicts and the real changes he made not just in himself but in others as well.  

His children, even though his relationships weren't the best with all of us, he was proud of all of us.  I don't know if I would say he was as proud as he was thankful as he got older.  His volunteer work and getting certified to counsel addicts, becoming a deacon and the many new good relationships he made... all of this he was very thankful for.  

He loved helping others and witnessing.  He loved his family and the church family.  He loved to be outside whether hiking, swimming, camping , walking or just resting.  He loved horses.  He loved snacks and always had a stash of chocolate, cookies, an avocado, bananas or a mango somewhere.  

He is survived by his children; Lawrence Allen, Wendi Landry, Wendell Allen Jr and Virginia Allen.   He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Bobby Allen.  

There is a service planned for August 30, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Paradise Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4575 S Sandhill Rd, Las Vegas NV 89121.