Walter "Walt" K. Allen, Jr.

Walter "Walt" K. Allen, Jr., SMSgt, (ret.), 79, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Monday, May 9, 2011 after losing a long battle with cancer. Walt loved his church, Bethel Lutheran of Biloxi, where he fulfilled many duties such as president of the congregation at one time. Also, he worked many hours on the building of the new church. He proudly served his country with 26 years in the Air Force retiring as a SMSgt in 1973. He was awarded numerous medals including the Bronze Star after serving two tours in Vietnam. He then served 14 years on Navy Research ships as an electronic technician and the space shuttle program while employed at NAVO at Stennis retiring from there in 1995. He was a true craftsmen in his field. Walt was known for telling corny jokes, singing songs and telling stories which his grandchildren loved. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Chris (Valrie Gateley) Allen; son-in-law, Vernon King and granddaughter, Naomi Johnson. Walt is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mona Allen of Gulfport; daughters, Margaret (Aldon) Willis of Tacoma, WA, Mary Muffler of Ramsey Springs, Lea King of Vestry, Karla (Kevin) Roberts of Dade City, FL and Veronica Walker of Gulfport; sons, Doug (Annette Stanley) Allen of Ramsey Springs, Gary (Sheila) Johnson of Piedmont, SD and Kevin (Lea) Johnson of Gulfport; sister, Connie (Bill) Mueller of Allentown, PA; brother, Fr. David Allen of Baltimore, MD; eighteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and honorary granddaughter, Brenda Hiles, special granddaughter and caregiver, Jessica King of Vestry and faithful dog and pal, Chi Chi. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 2521 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531. Friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to: Bethel Lutheran Church. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Rd., West Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.