Donald Ray Allen passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Aug 20th, 2017 at the age of 64. Don was born on September 25th, 1952 in Emporia, Kansas and grew up on the family farm near Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Growing up, Don enjoyed playing cowboy and his best friend was an imaginary horse. He would even slip away from home to go to a neighboring pasture where a horse grazed. When he was 10 years old he was given Lady, his first buckskin quarter horse. He spent all of his spare time grooming and talking with Lady. When the family moved to a ranch across from Spring Lake, Oregon, he was able to have Lady bred and began raising foals. On the farm he learned all about giving shots, branding, and delivering calves as well as his beloved foals. Don loved jokes and to pull pranks on unsuspecting folks. He enjoyed taking the tractor out onto the ice of Spring Lake during the winters to scrape a smooth spot for skaters.
Don graduated high school from Henley High School in Klamath Falls and went on to graduate college from Oregon State University. Upon graduating college, he took a job at Grovers Electric in Klamath Falls, then was moved to the Medford area as a General Manager. There he met the love of his life, Dawn Gutches, and the two were married in 1980. Don worked at Grovers Electric for the majority of his life. In the late 80’s he was transferred to Boise, Idaho and eventually the family moved to Eagle, Idaho. Later in life Don wanted a change of pace so he became a Financial Advisor which was the career he retired from.
Don loved his two children, Randi Barnett and Ryan Allen very much. Don was able to share his love of horses with Randi and as his children grew up, Don developed an interest in video games which he was able to share with Ryan. Don was also a very proud grandfather to Gabriel Barnett and Finley Allen. His children and grandchildren brought much joy to his life.
Don loved animals especially horses. In his free time he enjoyed reading non fiction books, watching movies, especially westerns, listing to jazz music, and playing video games. Don could always be found taking walks near his home, at the library or eating Chinese food at his favorite restaurant.
Don was preceded in death by his parents James Allen and Lydia Kelly Allen. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Gutches Allen, Children Randi Barnett and Ryan Allen, Grandchildren Gabriel Barnett and Finley Allen, and siblings Kelly, Cynthia, and Sarah.
Per Don’s wishes there will be no funeral instead he is to be cremated and his ashes returned to nature.
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