Ralph James Allen, Storehouse director

Ralph James Allen, 88, of Long Neck, formerly of Alexandria, Va., went home to be with the Lord Monday, Sept. 3, 2018, while surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Townsend, Ohio, May 29, 1930, son of the late Dale Blair Allen and Helen (Stoner) Allen.  Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-55.  After his discharge from the Air Force, Ralph began a long career in civil service, retiring in 1985.  

Ralph volunteered his free time with the Alive and the Koinonia Programs in Alexandria.  After moving to Delaware in 1991, he helped start and continued as a director of the Christian Storehouse in Millsboro. In 1991 he began delivering meals to the homebound at the CHEER Center in Long Neck, and continued until his death.  He was awarded the 1995 Bahai Humanitarian Award.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Rich and Tom Allen; and a sister, Debbie Stazen.  He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joanne Allen; three children, Marci Gott of Manassas, Va., Brian “Tiger” Allen (Pam) of Montclair, Va., and John Allen (Ann) of Ormond Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren, Christopher and Kevin (Hannah) Gott, Teri and Lindsay Allen, Mike (Derina) and Billy (Rachel) Mullins; and nine great-grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by a brother, Robert Allen (Judy); four sisters, Ladonna Smart, Virginia Park, Carol Crone (Mike) and Margaret Anderson (Ken); and several nieces and nephews.  

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Long Neck United Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Long Neck.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ralph’s name to the Long Neck United Methodist Church at the above address.  

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com