On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Roger Dean Allen joyfully entered eternity from the peacefulness of his home, surrounded by his three kids. He packed a lot of livin’ in 89 years and 358 days. Born the mischievous, curly headed son of a preacher man, the Rev. Casper and Leona Allen in Clinton, Illinois, in 1932.
He answered the call to duty and served his country in the US Army at the end of the Korean War and served dutifully on the front lines while stateside in Illinois. He then followed his passion for science and graduated in 1959 with a BA in Chemistry and Geology from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, then a MA in Biology from Illinois State in 1966. At this point, it was becoming increasingly clear to Roger that his life’s purpose lay in his response to the eternal reality of Jesus Christ, and his science background proved to be the perfect foundation for the next passion to which God called him.
While finishing school in 1965, Roger met and married Karen Sevland, the dazzling tall, beautiful woman of his dreams. After teaching high school Biology for many years and bringing three children into the world, he then moved his family to South Carolina and earned his MA in Theological studies at Columbia Bible College in 1975. He went on to teach high school at Shannon Forest Christian School until ‘80 until they went on to pastor churches and teach school around the country, in Lisle, New York, New Strawn, Kansas, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Simpsonville, South Carolina, Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Moore, South Carolina. He taught God’s love and salvation, integrating scientific evidence with Biblical truths while encouraging his congregation and students to confidently apply thought and consideration to the complexity of God’s universe and the life within it.
Rog was known by anyone who met him for his warmth, his sense of humor and big belly laughs, and his curiosity and intelligence. He was a prankster and never let anyone take themselves too seriously. He always had the time to talk and listen, and had a huge heart for people, leading countless folks to know God’s grace and salvation through Christ. Roger was a big softie, yet a force of nature his kids and students can attest to, and God used him tremendously through the years to bring that much more light to the corners of the world where he was called. Roger’s life was a testament to the joy and fullness and care that God provides when one’s heart is open to His calling.
His family misses him a ton already, this anchor of their family, Rebekah and Richard Potter and grandsons Bax and Burke in Woodruff, South Carolina; Matthew and Carey in Miami, and Rachel in San Francisco. He is also survived by his sister, Lois and brother Dwight; many nephews and nieces, and his dog Lucy, who’s godparents will be caring for her in Miami.
There is nothing like the joy and confidence that comes from knowing where Roger is now, finally understanding the answers to his many questions from the heart and mind of The Creator Himself.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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