| OBITUARY
ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
AUGUST 23, 2016
LAGRONE FUNERAL CHAPEL
 LOVELACE,
ALLEN J – Colonel Allen J Lovelace, age 84, went to be with his Lord
early in the morning of August 21, 2016, after a battle with bone
cancer. He was born on May 5, 1932, in Krum, Texas to
Charles Carlton
and Beartice Inmon Lovelace. Allen grew up in Carrollton, Texas,
graduating from Carrollton High School. Allen then attended North Texas
State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in biology with a strong
minor in chemistry. He served three years in the United States Army as a
photographer. After his military service, Allen returned to North Texas
State to complete his work toward a master's degree in biology and
education. During this time, he met the love of his life, Caroline Cole.
After Allen and Caroline graduated, they married and became a truly
united couple for 58 years.
The couple relocated to Roswell, New Mexico, where Allen began a long
career at New Mexico Military Institute, teaching biology for 36 years
and eventually becoming the head of that department. Many cadets still
recall his humorous ways of relating biology concepts to them. During
his years at NMMI, Allen had a summer occupation which utilized his
broad knowledge of biology, working with a crop inspection agency that
advised local farmers what, if any, pest-control treatments their crops
required.
A lifelong Methodist. Allen was a member of the First United Methodist
Church in Roswell for 57 years, where he often taught junior high or
adult Sunday school. His love of music was evident by his lively
participation in both the chancel choir and the Silver Chords music
ministry. He also had a special interest in the Monday Morning Men’s
Prayer Breakfast, which he attended faithfully. Allen was a member of
The Gideon’s International and helped distribute many Bibles throughout
his years as a member.
As might be expected of someone with his background in biology, Allen
kept an immaculate yard and grew beautiful roses each summer. He loved
chess, playing tournaments both in person and via the mail. He was also
always ready for a game of Mexican train dominoes. A big supporter of
NMMI basketball, he, also, thoroughly enjoyed his Texas teams of the
Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Longhorns, and, later, the Texas Tech Red
Raiders. Some of Allen's last words came as the family watched a Dallas
Cowboy pre-season game, when, though he had not been able to communicate
for hours, he suddenly asked plainly, "What's the score?".
Allen's love of family always came first. He is survived by his wife and
Christian helpmate, Caroline Cole Lovelace. Together, they touched the
lives of NMMI cadets and many others with their prayers and ministry to
those in need. He is also survived by his daughter, Patty Lovelace, and
his son, Ben Lovelace, both of Roswell; they will be forever grateful
for his Christian influence in their lives. Also surviving Allen arc his
three grandchildren, whom he adored, John Lovelace, of Albuquerque, Josh
English, of Roswell, and Carrie Dillard, of Amarillo, Texas. Survivors
also include Allen's brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Nancy
Lovelace, of Garland, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and
Danny Andersen, of Duncanville, Texas; niece, Lynn; nephews. Greg.
Brian, Derek, Todd, and James; and many great-nieces and nephews.
The family feels in lieu of flowers, Allen would have liked for
contributions to be made to the Music Memorial Fund or the Silver Chords
ministry at First United Methodist Church in Roswell. A celebration of
life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2016, at 2 PM at the First
United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the columbarium at
First United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Tina Cross
and Reverend Laird Cross assisted by Reverend John Fuss.
Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.
Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com |
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