Arthur Ted Allen

Allen, Arthur Ted, age 90, Shawnee, Oklahoma resident, passed away July 9, 2025, at his home. Arthur was born June 8, 1935, to Ted and Louise Allen in McAlester, Oklahoma. Arthur was raised in the McAlester area and graduated from high school there in 1954.. After high school, Arthur spent 1 year at Southeastern College in Wilburton, Oklahoma before joining the US Army, His honorable service extended from August of 1955 through August of 1958. After leaving the Army, he met JoAnn Poole. They were married on Dec. 19, 1959, celebrating 65 years of marriage. Their family settled in McAlester where they had two children.

Never able to sit back and observe, Arthur showed that involvement was good for everyone. In his church, he served as an elder at the First Presbyterian church. In the community, Arthur gave of his time to others as a member of the Elks Club of McAlester, the Morning Optimists, Board of Directors for Burgundy Place, and the Board of Directors of the McAlester Youth Shelter. His career led him to the railroad industry. Orgo-Thermet had a faithful, dedicated employee in Arthur on their sales and service team for 35 years. This direction also interested his involvement in the railroad associations Committee 22 and Roadmasters. After retirement, in the early 2000's, Arthur and JoAnn purchased a fifth wheel camper. The last few decades were filled with warm winters in the south and abundant travel across the country in the spring and summer months. Ever active in his pursuits, Arthur joined the Good Sam Travel Club and the Carriage Travel Club. Family was the most important thing in Arthur's life and in the later days was able to be near his loved ones.

Survivors include his beloved wife JoAnn of the home, son Mark Allen and wife Vickie of Wanette, Oklahoma, daughter Marcia Wyssman and husband Ray of Kailua Kona, Hawaii; sister-in-law, Jerrylynn Barker and husband Phil of Oak ridge, Tennessee, brother-in-law Keith Poole and wife Dawn of Brookston, Indiana, as well as Larry Poole and husband Steve Oatmayer of Washington, D.C as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, sister Teresa Keirsey and brother-in-law, Donald Poole.

A graveside ceremony with U.S. Army Military Honors to celebrate Arthur's life to be held at 10AM Wednesday July 23, 2025 at the Memory Gardens Cemetery, 25 Massey Road, McAlester, OK 74501.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, www.walkerfuneral.com.