Andrew Allan's Obituary
Andrew Allan Obituary
Andrew Allan, 88, of Elyria, Ohio, died peacefully in his sleep January 5, 2015, after a short illness. He was born in Elyria, Ohio, October 6, 1926, the son of Andrew and Euphemia (nee Thomson) Allan, after their emigration from Glasgow, Scotland. He was the Drum Major for the Elyria High School Marching Band, graduating in 1944. A veteran of WWII, Mr. Allan joined The United States Navy in 1944. He was trained in radio operations at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois and in amphibious landing operations at the University of Wisconsin. He briefly served with The United States Marine Corps, on loan from the Navy, because of his excellence at high speed Morse code reading and transmission. After discharge from the Marines, Andrew continued his naval career on the USS Rolette (AKA-99) in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal.Upon discharge from the Navy, Andrew attended Bowling Green State University, and graduated in 1950 from the University of Maryland, where he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega and the Drum Major for the University of Maryland Marching Band.Mr. Allan owned and operated Andrew Allan Builders, Inc. for 42 years, constructing residential and light commercial properties throughout Lorain County. He was a Trustee of the Elyria Public Library Foundation, Lorain County Historical Society and the Elyria YMCA. He was a life member of the Elks, Moose, and the American Legion. Andrew was a Past President of East Elyria Kiwanis and recipient of its George Hixson Award. He was a member of the City of Elyria ADA Board and the Elyria High Pioneer Alumni Assn. He worked on United Way campaigns and served as Trustee and Deacon for the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elyria. He was a vintage motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed reading, golf and travel. He operated an amateur radio station with call sign N8GWL. Andrew held membership in the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Friends of the Elyria Public Library, Elyria Senior Fellowship and its Senior Singers, was a member and past president of the United British Society, served on the Elyria Library levy committee, and was a parent volunteer at the old Elyria High School. He was involved in continuing education and took many classes through LCCCs Center for Lifelong Learning and Case Western Reserve Universitys Continuing Education Series. Mr. Allan is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis (nee Whitney), sons, Andrew Allan III of Vermilion and Jon W. Allan (Kim) of East Lansing, Michigan, daughter, Kathryn A. Smith (Brad) of Elyria, niece Marilyn Whitney, M.D. (Ft. Wayne, Indiana), and nephew Ron Whitney (Indianapolis, Indiana). There are three grandchildren, Bailey K. Gerber, Andrew J. Smith and Katie Rose Allan, and two great grandchildren; Madison Lynn Gerber and Jacob Andrew Gerber.Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Euphemia Allan, and an infant sister, Euphemia (Amy) Allan.A memorial service will be Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 300 Second Street, Elyria, Ohio. Reverend Patrick Nicolino and Reverend Wayne Brass will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support The Elyria Public Library, The Lorain County Historical Society or The Educational Enrichment Programs for Students through 12th Grade, all in care of The Community Foundation of Lorain County, 9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, and recollections, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com
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