Craig L. Allen

On Monday, September 4, 2023, at 2:56 pm our Heavenly Father called to rest Craig L. Allen in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family, while watching his favorite movie ‘Superfly’.

He was born to James B. and Barbara A. (Shoffner) Allen on August 10, 1955, in Flint, Michigan.

Craig accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Good Fight of Faith congregation. He received most of his education through the Carbondale Public School System until his senior year, when he attended Marion High School.

Craig labored in construction and janitorial work until becoming employed at Menard Correctional Center as a Correctional Officer. He was employed for three years, before being hired as a Lineman for Ameren (CIPS). He remained employed for 41 years, until his retirement in 2020.

Craig had an infectious spirit; he never met a stranger. He was an avid fisherman, animal lover and tripled as the King of Barbeque, King of Comedy and King of Nicknames. Craig became a first-time father in 1977 to Keisha Nicole. Eleven years later God led him to the love of his life, to which he gained two bonus daughters, Margo LaVette and Roshika Melnae. In 1990, they welcomed their baby girl Arrie Dontrece.

To cherish his beautiful memory, he leaves behind his loving and devoted daughters, Keisha Nelson of Mt. Vernon, IL, Arrie Allen-Cavitt (Reggie) of Marion, IL, Margo Mathis of Carbondale, IL and Roshika Thompson (Michael) of Spring, TX; loving twin sister, Carmen Allen-Adeoye “Peanut” (Louis), Grace Allen, Dorothy Roberson, Elaine Robertson; two bonus sisters, Linda Jackson & Sandra Langford; brother, Gary Allen “Gabnella”; grandchildren, Gilwan Jr. “Bigger Than Me”, Jadon (Shy Guy), Daniel (Little Bit),  Jim’Arii “Paw Paw Jr.”, Da’Quarii “Nephew-Grandson”, Ny’Arii “Pooh Pooh”, Que’Arii “Lil Debbie”, Michaelis “Lil D”, Rian “The Frantic One”, Arrini “Hammer”, Aunisti “Chinch Bug”, Amnei “C Jr.”; special niece, Veronica Schauf “Pink Pig” host of family, friends and his beloved cat Skimmer.

He was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents, Vantrece & Robert Shoffner; parents James & Barbara; sisters, India Allen & Carla Schauf; brothers, Walter, Donald and Jerry Allen; his beloved and devoted wife, Deborah F. Mathis-Allen.

A Message from Craig:

“Don’t be sad for me, be happy. I finally get to sleep next to the love of my life tonight.”