Earle I. Allen

West Brookfield – Earle I. Allen, Jr. 77, of West Brookfield, MA was called home to rest on July 23, 2020 at the Elaine Center in Hadley after a long illness.  Earle was a loving husband, and a caring father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Those who knew Earle knew he was the kind of guy to drop anything for a friend or family member in need.  He was a hard worker and had the kindest soul.

Earle is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis (Patt) Allen of West Brookfield; his nine children, Roger Allen of West Brookfield, Nancy Morris and her husband Gary of Belchertown, Gregory Allen and his wife Dawn of West Brookfield, Miranda Jacques and her husband Norman of Palmer, Debra Silva and her husband Brian of Brookfield, Tammy Allen of Belchertown, Michael Allen and his wife Jesselyn of Ware, Cassandra Henry and her husband Michael of Douglasville, GA, and Staci Allen of West Brookfield, his twenty grandchildren, Megan, Matthew, Alexis, Lauren, Allison, Evan, Brandon, Owen, Colton, Kaitlyn, Kannon, Kaicey, Ethan, Sean, Kayla, Gabriel, Parker, Aiden, McKenzie, and Izabella; one great-granddaughter Freya as well as his brothers Wayne Allen and his wife Judy and Frank Allen. He is predeceased by his grandson Zachary.  He was born in Ware, son of the late Earle and Nancy (Jones) Allen.

Earle was a hardworking, loving, faithful husband. He married Phyllis in 1964 in West Brookfield while her parents Hermann and Mildred Patt were missionaries in Kenya, Africa.  They started their life together in a trailer in North Brookfield while he was working as a toolmaker at Pratt & Whitney.  After purchasing property in West Brookfield, Earle started building their home and then got drafted into the Army in 1966.  Phyllis moved back home to the family farm – her parents had returned from Africa.  Their first born son was born while Earle was serving his country in Vietnam.  After coming home from Vietnam, he moved his family to Virginia to finish out his time with the Army.  He was discharged in 1968.  The family moved back to live with Phyllis’ parents on the farm while Earle continued to work on their home and working at Pratt & Whitney.  A year later, their home was finished enough to move into.  After the garage was built in 1970, Earle and Phyllis took over Hermann’s cider press and started the Allen’s Cider Mill, which is still in operation today.  Earle’s career continued as a machinist and tool and die maker.  He worked at Brookfield Machine for 32 years ending his career for many years as a Foreman in 2001.

Earle was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Earle dedicated his time to his family and to helping others.  He was a foster parent for 32 years, welcoming children into his home.  The kids that were blessed with his love, no matter for how long or how short are better people for it.  Earle gave of his time teaching kids woodworking skills through the 4-H.  He loved traveling and the outdoors, spending summers camping and boating.  For years he enjoyed the large family camping trips climbing Mount Washington Labor Day weekend.  He enjoyed square dancing, tennis, biking, hiking, walks, reading – he enjoyed staying busy.  He was a deacon at the First Congregation Church in West Brookfield for countless years, he also plowed and mowed for the church and helped with the Sharing Cupboard.  He was a handyman who could fix just about anything.  If Earle couldn’t fix it, most likely, it couldn’t be fixed.  Earle’s skills enabled him to build three houses.  He was a giver and a teacher; he passed these skills onto his sons.  Earle built a vacation home on Lake Wickaboag in 1990 and renovated it in 2013.  The beautiful hickory floors attest to his talent. 

Although Earle leaves us physically the legacy he leaves behind will have a profound effect which is evident in the many lives he influenced, his acts of kindness, the guidance he provided, his loyalty to his family, and his smile that could light up a room which now lights up our hearts.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the care takers at the Elaine Center.  A graveside service will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park with military honors on Friday, July 31st at 1:30.  For everyone's health and safety, along with current regulations, masks must be worn along with social distancing.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of West Brookfield or the Elaine Center in Hadley. 

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc, 43 East Main Street, in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.

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