Don Allen

J. Don Allen, 72, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2022, after a courageous battle with a short illness.

Don was born in Live Oak, Florida on August 23, 1949, to the late Jimmy Allen and Doris Allen.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Tesie Allen, five children; Jay Allen, Dylan Allen, Mark Morgan (Shelley), Suzann Morgan and Megan Aikens (Tim); nine grandchildren; Alexis, Jaylyn, Caden, Chesnie, Mattox, AJ, Malachi, Landen, and Miranda; sisters, Linda Riggins (Bill), Susan Farabee (Jim); brother Ken Allen (Carole); and many nieces and nephews and longtime best friend, Raleigh Brown (Live Oak).

Don was a graduate of Suwannee High School class of 1967, served two years in the U.S. Navy, attended Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University under the GI Bill and graduated from FSU with a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  After serving in the Navy, he served four years in the reserves.  Don, after serving his country and college, then managed restaurants in Georgia, Alabama and Florida before returning to Suwannee County for his lifetime.  Upon his return to Live Oak, he served as Congressional Aide for Don Fuqua and later for Pete Peterson.

He was elected in May of 2017 by the people of District 5 to serve on the Live Oak City Council and was in his sixth year and second term working to help guide the City of Live Oak in the right direction for the future.

Don was the co-owner at one time of The 406 Restaurant, located in the historic, two-story Dowling House mansion in downtown Live Oak on Duval Street.  It was here where thousands gathered over the years for great food before the Covid 19 pandemic took place and sadly, the restaurant closed.

Don also co-owned a catering business, R & D Catering, for years.  He was active in several clubs in college and joyously followed FSU sports.  A huge FSU sports fan, he served as president of the Suwannee County FSU Booster Club at one time where he had the honor of meeting famed FSU Coach Bobby Bowden who he greatly admired.

Don dedicated his personal time as a board member of the Suwannee Historical Commission and Museum where he worked tirelessly to help protect this treasure of Suwannee County history.  This museum is operated out of the decades old former railroad depot where Suwannee County history is now preserved and open to the public.  He also served on the Tourist Development Council (TDC), Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board and was involved in various other activities in his beloved community.  Don was extremely proud of the advances between the City of Live Oak and Suwannee County Commission which recently led them both to adopt a working plan between the Live Oak Fire Department and Suwannee County Fire/Rescue to better serve both the city and the county during emergencies.

A Celebration of Life service was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 21st at First United Methodist Church.  Visitation was held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am in the church Fellowship Hall.  Following the service, a luncheon was held in the Fellowship Hall.

A private committal service was held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the J. Don Allen Cultural Center, Friends of Heritage Park, 127 E. Howard St., Live Oak, FL 32064 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Please keep the Allen family in your prayers today and the days ahead.