Thomas Edward Allen's Obituary
Thomas Edward (Eddie) Allen Together Again Thomas Edward (Eddie) Allen, 86, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away July 13, 2011. A lifetime resident, Eddie was born in Tacoma on February 17, 1925. He was the youngest of three children born to Edward and Alice Allen. Eddie attended Clover Park High School. He served in The United States Navy and was a veteran of World War II. After his military service, Eddie worked for his father's family plumbing business. He later owned the same company located in Tacoma's Hilltop. Eddie also worked for HK Western and Emcon as a plumber. Eddie married Evelyn Joyce Matzen (the love of his life) on June 6, 1953. Eddie and Effie had three children, all boys. The couple was life-time members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Both mom and dad's faith and love of God were an inspiration upon which they built their lives, and influenced the lives of others. Both were active supporters of Tahoma Associates, a workplace for disabled persons. Dad was always willing to help those in need to unclog a toilet or sink, or fix a broken pipe, always refusing payment. He was the original 24-hour emergency plumber, on call day or night. He built the family home in Tacoma from scratch, and was an extremely talented handyman, with no job too difficult. He loved gardening, and his immaculate groomed flowers and vegetable gardens, including raspberries. In his spare time, he relaxed as best he could at his beach cabin near Longbranch. Everybody loved Eddie. During his retirement years, he spent much of his time visiting the sick and elderly, and shut-in friends in nursing homes and hospitals. Eddie enjoyed bringing joy and smiles to those less fortunate. He never forgot the monthly birthday celebrations at Tahoma Associates, always delivering the birthday cake. Eddie was there for everyone. He will be missed by so many. Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn (Effie) Allen in 1998. The couple were married for 45 years. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas Jay (Kathy) Allen, David Mark (Denise) Allen, and a special needs child, Daniel Paul Allen, all of Tacoma; sister Isabelle Standish of Cheney, WA; and five grandchildren who he loved dearly, Jeff, Matt, Jenny (Ben), Laura, and Chris. Eddie was preceded in death by his older sister, Dorothy Herbert. Visitation and viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 20 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 1:00 PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3410 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA. A reception will follow the service in the church's parish hall. The family would like to thank Dad's dear special friend Marge Hoots for her companionship in his later years, and also many great meals. Also, thank you to all of dad's many friends, and a special thank you to Marge's son Tom for his caring support. Finally, our family would like to thank Dr. James Fry and his staff for dad's medical care. Donations can be made to Tahoma Associates, 1545 Tacoma Ave. So., Tacoma, WA. 98402. "Together Again with Mom. We love you Dad. Thanks for being the best Dad in the world. Enjoy Heaven." - your boys.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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