Melvin B. Allen, 88, passed away at his home on October 23, 2016.

Mr. Allen was born in Winnfield, LA October 14, 1928, the son of Ira L. and Viola Dunn Allen.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the USMC and served in post WWII. While in service he trained for international morse code operator. After his tour of duty, he attended a business collage in Shreveport, LA. While attending college, he learned of an instructor that was teaching railroad morse code, which was similar to what he had learned in service. He consolidated the college courses with the railroad telegraphy course, and after a few months training, went to work as a railroad telegrapher. He worked at this until 1955 when he had an opportunity to start work on pipeline construction projects. He worked at this until retirement in 2000.

In February 1969, while working on a project in flagstaff, he met his wife, Helen Valdez. Helen preceded him in death in October 2004.

Mr. Allen was also preceded in death by his parents, a son Aubrey Allen, 4 brothers Conley, C.W., Ardell, and Dalton and a sister Hazel Yelverton.

He is survived by daughter Charlien Hebert of Huston, TX, a brother, Bobby Allen and his wife Wanda of Shreveport, La., Step- daughters Gloria Bran Husband Mario of Dolan Springs, Arizona, Betty Peeler and Husband David of Henderson, Nevada and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7pm at Norvel Owens Mortuary, Funeral will be Wednesday, 10am at Greenlaw Baptist Church with burial to follow in the family plot at Citizens' Cemetery.