George Thomas Allen

George Thomas Allen, age 65, of Savanna, Illinois, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Savanna Township Cemetery, Savanna, with military rites accorded by the Savanna Veterans of Foreign Wars Post# 2223. Reverend Larry Thomson of the First United Methodist Church, Savanna will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in George's memory. George was born on July 10, 1942 in Washington D.C., the son of Claude T. and Mary E. (Ezzelle) Allen. George served his country in the United States Army. He married Sandra L. Grummitt on September 11, 1965 in Savanna. Sandra passed away on July 31, 2002.George served in the United States Army for twenty years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his enlistment, George served two tours in Viet Nam and also spent time in Germany. He was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was a Drill Instructor until retiring from active duty in 1980. After retirement, he was a Security Guard at the Savanna Army Depot, Savanna for over ten years. George was a lifetime member of the Savanna Veterans of Foreign Wars Post# 2223. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking, he was very handy.George will be missed by one son, Brian Allen of Savanna; one brother, Mack Allen of Lanham, Maryland; three sisters, Marie (Paul) Peacock of Orlando, Florida, June Dearstine of Glenn Dale, Maryland, and Irene Thompson of Superior, Wisconsin; one sister in-law, Ruth (Terry) James of Savanna; and several nieces and nephews.George is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra; two brothers, Don Allen and Gerry Carlson; and brother in-law, Bill Grummitt.