Education:
Following “Doc’s” discharge from the service he planned to re-enter college and work on obtaining a medical degree. Unfortunately classes had already started. It was recommended that he contact the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was allowed to sit in on classes during the first semester and was admitted for the following semester. He graduated in the spring of 1949.
Marriage:
December 8th, 1945 “Doc” married his long time sweetheart, June McClosky. Their wedding was held at the Fruitdale, OH United Methodist Church. They were married for 64 years.
Career:
Following his graduation, “Doc” and June moved to Waverly, Pike County, Ohio where he established a veterinary practice. He specialized in large animals (farm) in addition to doing some work with small animals (cats and dogs). He practiced for over 40 years building a strong reputation for his care and character.
Family:
“Doc” and June had three children:
– John R. Allen, III
– Jennifer S. Allen, M.D.
– James “Jimbo” E. Allen
Community:
Doc served as Pike County Commissioner for 20 years (five terms). He was first elected in 1972, receiving a bigger headline in the local paper than President Nixon. During his terms in office Pike County EMS service was established and many other improvements were made.
Republican Party:
“Doc” was a loyal Republican in a primarily Democrat County. He became well known to statewide office holders and members of the Ohio Republican Party. He was awarded a “Life Time Achievement Award” by the Ohio Republican party and recognized by state legislators for his service to the state.
Sports:
If you knew “Doc”, you knew what a great love he had for sports. He came from an athletic family as his father was known as an excellent baseball player and later umpire. His brother Ralph’s had the potential of a professional baseball career interrupted by WWII.
As a young man “Doc” was a very good athlete (especially baseball and basketball) playing for his Buckskin HS teams.
At Miami University (of Ohio) his hall basketball teammates were intramural champions.
His athletic “career” followed him to WWII as he was selected to play on the 449BG’s all star basketball team which won the 47th Wing Championship and made it to the 15th AF tournament. They lost 15th AF tournament to the Tuskegee Airmen’s team.
After returning from the war, he and his brother starred on local baseball teams.
As he grew older he loved watching his favorite teams (Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals and of course the Waverly HS Tigers and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. There was always a story related to his time playing ball or attending games. Attending Opening Day for the Reds was a must as was attending the OSU Boosters luncheon and game. The family said that the only vacations they took were to OSU away football games.
“Doc” spent his last days in the Chillicothe, Ohio VA Hospital where he was well cared for.
He and June, along with their son John are buried in Waverly, Ohio.
"Doc" Allen 