John B. Allen

John Barton (JB) Allen, a beloved community member, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024, at Avalon Memory Care in Edinburg. John leaves behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, and selflessness that will be remembered by all who knew him.

John was the first-born son of Paul and Beatrice Allen, born on September 26, 1953, in Harlingen, Texas. He and his two younger brothers and sister grew up in Weslaco. John attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School as a young boy and graduated from Weslaco High School. John's thirst for knowledge and his passion for numbers led him to pursue a BBA in Accounting at Pan American University.

John embarked on a successful career as an accountant, working with esteemed firms such as Joe Hicks, Smith/Fankhouser, and Barbee Neuhaus. In addition to his accounting endeavors, John was an entrepreneur who owned Morris Boiler Service and provided private accounting services. His dedication and meticulous attention to detail were evident in everything he did. Numbers were John's life; he tracked everything and kept detailed to-do lists so that he never missed a deadline. Eventually, John made a thorough binder for his wife, Ellen, with precise instructions and information to complete after his death. The first page was a love letter. 

Ellen and John met at St. Pius X Catholic Church forty-six years ago. Ellen was swept off her feet by John's romantic enthusiasm. They spent the rest of their lives together, and their Catholic Faith remained the foundation of their marriage and family. Ellen and John were dedicated volunteers, and John was active in the St. Pius X Men's Club. He was also a long-time member of the Church Finance Board, where his contributions were invaluable. John shared his Faith with others often and invited them to church. He lived by example, honoring God by his daily actions. John was one of the first people called when someone needed help. 

Beyond John's contributions to his church, he was a generous community member. John served on the Mercedes Cemetery Board for many years and was the Past President and District Director of the Weslaco Jaycees. He also helped Ellen at the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) state competitions selling merchandise. 

Luckily for Ellen, John remained a hopeless romantic for their married life.  He loved adventure and took his wife on the most romantic trips. Road trips and cruises were their favorites. John always planned a traditional post-tax season vacation. Together, he and Ellen traveled across all 50 states in the United States and explored exotic destinations such as Mexico, Honduras, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the Caribbean. He loved introducing his grandchildren to the world through these trips, as well. Their shared experiences created lasting memories that will forever be cherished.

In his spare time, John enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren and attending all their school events, dance recitals, and sporting matches. He took great joy in watching them grow and succeed.

John was a man of diverse interests; he was passionate about UFOs and frequently immersed himself in the world of aliens by attending conferences and binging the Ancient Aliens TV show. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and never said “no” to Grandma's meatloaf (shaved potatoes, onions, and corn topped with meatloaf and glazed with ketchup). 

John was a kind man who never met a stranger. His warm heart and infectious sense of humor brightened the lives of those around him. John's romantic spirit endeared him to those fortunate to know him closely.  His unwavering Faith in God guided his actions throughout his life.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Beatrice Allen, his Irish twin, Noble Allen, and his sister, Mary Louise Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; his daughter, Jessica Handley, who John affectionately referred to as "Poop," his son-in-law, George William Handley III; grandchildren, Olivia Grace and George William Handley IV; brother, David Allen (Belinda); sister-in-law, Sharon Allen; nieces, Michelle Allen, Kristen Hansen, and Samantha Leal.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 12, 2024, at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a Holy Rosary at 7 pm, followed by a time for sharing stories. A funeral Mass celebrating John's life will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco on Mardi Gras: Fat Tuesday, February 13, at 10:00 AM. As per John's wishes, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest on Friday, February 16, at 1 pm at Highland Memorial Park. 

Dale Hansen, Bruce Edwards, Terry Barbee, Ramon "Monce" Montalvo, Ruben Alejandro, and Rene Correa will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be George William Handley IV, David King, Ken Eilers, Les Naiman, and Hector Montalvo.