Kerry Allen, 46, died May 14, 2016 at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born February 24, 1970 in Norman, Oklahoma to Bob and Francie Allen. He was preceded in death by his mother, Francie Allen and brother, Kane Allen.
He is survived by his father, Bob and stepmother, Susan Walker Allen of Dover, Arkansas, brother, Kip Allen and niece, Nella Allen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Uncle John Allen of Norman, Oklahoma, and Aunt and Uncle Randy and Janet Hardridge of Oklahoma City and several cousins.
His public education was mainly in Norman, Oklahoma, graduating high school in 1988. He attended Arkansas Tech University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2003.
Professionally as well as recreationally he preferred the out-of-doors, eschewing desk jobs. Most of his adult employment was involved in installing and maintaining the electronics on cell phone towers.
His real passion was rock climbing. He climbed all over the Ozarks and Ouachitas, and authored a book on climbing routes on Mount Magazine. He was a professional rock climbing guide in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia and made numerous climbing trips to several western states. He was never content to just climb on established routes, but sought new routes in out of the way places. In the process he introduced many friends and even strangers to the sport.
A memorial service will be held the evening of June 4th, 2016 at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, Arkansas. For more details see: https://www.facebook.com/events/1058569464214061/
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
9 Comments
I had some great times in Arkansas and in the mountains with Kerry that will never be forgotten. He was a good friend!
Kerry was like a brother.
I had the privilege of working with Kerry years ago. He always had a smile on his face and was always looking forward to wherever he was going to climb next. Anyone that ever met him liked him instantly. I was always amazed at his climbing skills and the things he could do. Kerry you will be missed but I’m sure you have already found something very challenging to climb in your afterlife.
Kerry was the “son we never had”. He always brightened up our lives when he would show up to climb in our neighborhood. Don’t worry Kerry, the stories told on the porch of truth are still safe with us!
Kerry was a kind and inspiring climber. I enjoyed the time climbing we had together. His loss will be felt
Truly one of Arkansas’ greatest adventurers. Goodbye my friend.
I loved Kerry a lot. A great guy, super smart, really funny. He had a certain brilliance few have. Truly a unique human who liked tormenting my cat Gritty the Kitty. So long.
oh my… i just found out about this (when a christmas card, came back)… thank you, kerry, for being an aquaintance-forum-friend, on the climber forum… prayers for your family and loved ones, now that you are gone from here…
I am so sorry to find out about your loss. You were a good friend to my dad, Bill – showing up for his memorial . I truly wish he could be there for you. The loss of a child is one no parent should need to endure. Strength.
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