Wayne Leroy Allen

      Wayne Leroy Allen, age 72, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

     A Celebration of Life and Coffee Social will be held from 1-5 P.M. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Ithaca Community Center 120 N. Maple Street, Ithaca, MI 48847.

     Wayne was born in Jackson, MI on August 30, 1951, the son of Cecil and Laura Allen.  Wayne married Heather on August 30, 2023.

      Wayne was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed time out in Utah, his favorite cowboy was John Wayne. He loved his time driving and delivering cars for Select One and Reliable.  During his time with Select One he was able to go on tour with Toby Keith and Blake Sheldon.  With Reliable he hauled cars for Alan Jackson, race teams, professional athletes, Mecum Auction and Barrett Jackson.  Also, while working with Reliable, he was able to work on movie sets and making commercials.  Wayne really loved driving a limo for many people, especially Muhammad Ali while he was in St. Louis. He loved every minute of his time working.  Wayne loved traveling the country and seeing the sights, he would often bring gifts home for his family from the places he visited.  He took part in the making of the 2013 Super Bowl commercial,’ God Made A Farmer’.  His favorite pastimes were working in his yard and watching Westerns. Wayne became sober on August 30, 1986 and mentored many others to become sober.  He chaired AA Meetings and he also ran the meetings at the Gratiot County Jail for people who were struggling with addiction. Coffee and molasses cookies were his all-time favorite. His mornings started with coffee at the Shell Station with the many friends he made, his granddaughter, Alexa and great-granddaughter, Amilia even began joining him.  He was a member of the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123 where he made many friends and was proud to be a Mason.  Wayne will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and making everything fun.  He was always willing to help anyone.

     He is survived by his wife Heather Allen; son Josh Allen and Shelly Morrison; daughter Aleasa Allen-Fisher; son Morgan Allen; daughter Mariah Whitaker-Allen; son Cassius Allen; step daughter Allison Zender; step daughter Daphne Zender; grandchildren:  Alexa Allen-Robbennolt, Braydon and Tate Fisher, Bella and Teyah Allen, Ellie and Wesley Birdsell, and Quinten Allen; great-grandchildren: Amilia Robbennolt, Hudson and Braelyn Sherd and Zaide Fisher; brother Mike and Sue Allen.  Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.

     Memorials may be made to Heather for their toddler son, Cassius. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.