Robert Lee Allen, 71, of Oak Harbor, died Jan. 27, 2007, in Coupeville. He was born in Colfax, La., on Nov. 20, 1935, to Norman and Ethel (Washington) Allen. He was the seventh of ten children.

Allen lived most of his life in Alexandria, La., where he met his wife, Irene. They were married on March 2, 2002. In April 2004 the Lord spoke to Allen to move to Washington State, his wife was in agreement. He wasn’t sure if he was to live in Tacoma with his daughter Ruby and her family or in Oak Harbor where Irene lived from 1995 to 2001. They arrived in Washington on May 6 and moved to Oak Harbor on June 8, 2004.

Allen and Irene became members of Living Faith Christian Center pastored by David and Linda Jenkins in July 2004. He served on the Board of Elders from March 5, 2005 to Jan. 27, 2007. He loved God, his immediate and Living Faith families dearly. Go Purple Team!

He is survived by their ten children, Craig Zeno Davis, Ruby Turner, Natalie Allen, Sam Howard, Chris Bell, Paulette Gibbs, Paul Bell, Jr., Benson Howard, Kimberly Hawkins, and Timothy Howard; 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother Wilson Allen; and sisters Edith Burlinham, Bernice Miles, and Annie Mae King.

He was preceded in death by both parents; brothers Norman Allen, Jr., Jeff Allen, Leon Allen; and sisters Alma Jones, Virgin Manny, and Eva Long.

Robert Allen was a man of example, a man of integrity, a light to everyone he came in contact with, and a humble servant. He loved to sing, fish, and work with his hands. He loved all people. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Viewing/visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, at Living Faith Christian Center in Oak Harbor with Pastor David Jenkins officiating.