Robert Allen

A truly wonderful, caring, and decent gentleman was escorted by angels in on his last journey on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Beside him at the start of his journey was his wife of 68 years, Madelyn, and his daughter, Priscilla. Robert and Madelyn lived in Oxford for all of their lives, until health concerns made it necessary to move to Overland Park, Kansas, to live with their daughter Priscilla in December of 2003. While in Kansas, he made many new friends – two of which were also at his side at the beginning of his journey. Thank you to Lee and Nedra. He loved you both. Robert was the son of the late William and Bertha Allen, but was raised by Burton Appleby of Oxford. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1936 where he was on the track team. During his high school years, he would wait on the corner to walk Madelyn to school. He worked at the Norton Company in Worcester for 40 years, retiring in 1981. Robert served in the 20th Air Force 313th Bomb Wing 24th Bomb Squadron as a flight engineer in a B-29 Bomber on Tinian Island in the South Pacific. He completed 32 bombing missions in the Japanese Empire, bombing Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Kawasaki. The bomber "Patty Sue" was involved in one of the longest missions of World War II. This mission was to mine the Korean harbors of Rashin and Fuson which took 22 yours and 50 minutes to fly. Mr. Allen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Oak Leaves, and two unit citations. Robert was a member of the American Legion Post 0462. Madelyn and Bob were avid gardeners and spent many happy hours walking in the yard. People would stop by to admire its beauty. Bob is survived by his wife Madelyn and daughter Priscilla Fleming of Overland Park, Kansas; step grandchildren Paul and Debbie, and step great grandson Justin Fleming of Manchester, NH, and step grandchildren Robert Alan Fleming and Susan Fleming of Littleton, NH. Also to grieve are Rusty and Greta, his granddogs; and Bob, Samantha, and Jake, his grandcats. Dad, we love you so much and will be with you everyday – Please keep watch over us. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 30, 2007, at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, March 29, 2007, from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.