Dr. Edward Martin Allen

Dr. Edward Martin Allen, Jr., a retired professor from Appalachian State University, and a beloved friend to many, went home to be with the Lord, as well as his family and friends on Friday, June 27, 2014. Dr. Allen was born on February 22, 1938 to his loving parents Edward and Fleta Allen of 120 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy. Dr. Allen graduated high school in 1956 from Beulah School, and went on to earn his bachelors degree from Wake Forest University in 1960. In the year 1961, Dr. Allen began his teaching career at Morehead High School in Eden, North Carolina where he taught Social Science, as well as Social Studies. In the fall of 1962, Dr. Allen transferred and began teaching Social Studies at East Surry High School where he continued to teach for three years. During his second year of teaching at East Surry High School, the school dedicated their yearbook to Dr. Allen. The three years Dr. Allen taught at East Surry was what made him realize that educating others was what he truly desired to do with his life. After this realization, Dr. Allen chose to continue on with his education, and was successful in earning his Masters degree in 1964, as well as his Doctorate in 1973 from the University of Tennessee. After receiving his Masters degree, Dr. Allen decided he would like to teach at the college level, which he did in the year 1965. He had a one year appointment at West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia where he was an instructor of Political Science, as well as World Geography. Dr. Allen's advance from a high school teacher to a college professor was a big step in his career as it added to his overall development as a teacher. As time drew nearer and his time at West Georgia was coming to an end, he began to search for a job that was closer to home. Once again, Dr. Allen was successful, and in the fall of 1966 he was awarded the opportunity to teach at Appalachian State University, which at the time was best known as the Teachers College. Dr. Allen served as Political Science Advisor for twenty years, he was a member of Mi Sigma Alpha, as well as the A.A.U.P. at Appalachian State University, and he also helped with the debate team. Needless to say, Dr. Allen was extremely excited about teaching at Appalachian State, primarily because this was at the college where his parents first met. Throughout his entire career at Appalachian State, Dr. Allen taught Political Philosophies. He was loved by countless students and faculty members, and was a very respected professor as well. Each year, two or three scholarships are given from the Dr. Edward Martin Allen Jr. Scholarship fund. Dr. Allen loved being able to help others achieve a fine education. Both of Dr. Allen's parents were teachers, so it could be said that he followed in their footsteps. Unfortunately, due to his health, as well as poor health of his parents, Dr. Allen chose to retire in 1993. However, before his retirement in 1993, Dr. Allen had advanced from an instructor, to a full professor. He later lost his eyesight, yet despite the fact that his health was declining, he always kept up with the happenings at Appalachian, as well as Wake Forest. Listening to the games and trying to stay involved with these schools as much as possible although he could not see or get out as much anymore was certainly a hobby of Dr. Allen's. In addition, he had a love for growing roses, collecting antiques, animals, and reading while his health allowed for it. All who came in contact with him admired Dr. Allen, and he contained many qualities that made him an outstanding person. His extreme modesty, his positive outlook on life, and his general sensitive nature were only a few of the qualities that made Dr. Allen a very special person to many. Most would describe Dr. Allen as a caring individual who showed concern for everyone. He was certainly a shining light to his friends and students at Appalachian, as well as the community. In 1994, Dr. Allen was awarded Emeritus Status by the University of Board of Trustees, and a scholarship was established in his honor in 1995. A year later in 1996, the Board of Trustees made Dr. Allen an honorary alumnus. Dr. Allen was a member of First Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina, and later on in his retirement moved his membership to Oak Grove Baptist Church near his home. Surviving Dr. Allen are his close family, Debbie Davis and husband, Glenn, Melissa Mundy and husband, Curtis and family, Paige Meadows and husband, Jason, Dawn Pyles, Louise Kauffman; his adopted grandchildren, Dusti Gardner, Tenley Meadows, Aden Mundy who made his stay at home as comfortable as possible. Also, several cousins; his best friend of 43 years, David Sutton of Boone and special friends, Craig Golding, Chester McMillian and Madison Hasting of Gastonia. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Airy with Rev. Alton Bledsoe, Chaplain Justin Nelson and Rev. Donnie Hooker officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Edward Martin Allen, Jr. Scholarship Fund for Political Science at Appalachian State University, 287 Rivers St., Boone, NC 28608. Dr. Allen will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.