Charles Edward Allen

Charles Edward Allen was born on January 24, 1931, in Travis County, Texas, to Reverend L. B. and L. E. Allen. He was the second of three children born to this marriage of fifty-five years. He was raised in Austin, Texas, where his older sister Lillian still resides. His younger brother Donnie Hue and his parents preceded Charles in earthly transition. Charles was a well-mannered, somewhat shy child who excelled in academics and athletics. Upon graduation from high school, he was employed with Brackenridge Hospital for one year; then, he enlisted in the United States Army. During the Korean War, he served overseas as a medical technician. He earned two medals: the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Education was an essential pillar in the Allen home. His parents encouraged and supported all three children in their collegiate pursuits. After serving in the armed forces, Charles enrolled at the HBCU, Huston Tillotson, in Austin, Texas. He was a disciplined, proficient scholar with outstanding time management skills. During his college years, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, was captain of His baseball team and was a member of the basketball and track teams. Charles met the love of his life, Annie Lee Ates, in Austin, Texas. Annie Lee's family eventually migrated to San Francisco, CA.; thus, the two maintained a long-distance relationship while Charles was finishing college. Handwritten letters were their primary way of. communicating. They wrote, sometimes three to four letters a week. In 1957, Charles graduated from Huston Tillotson with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Shortly thereafter, “The Traveling Man” moved to San Francisco, CA. On September 13, 1957, Charles and Annie Lee were married. Their union produced four children, Kevin, Kraig, Kimberly, and Karla. Charles always provided for his family with unwavering faith in God, an outstanding work ethic, and God's favor. He owned properties in the Bay Area and secured employment as a medical orderly, a high school teacher, and Chief of Security at the De Young Museum. Charles was the first African-American to earn the Chief position at the museum. He retired after twenty-three years. In September 1957, Charles became a member of Neighborhood Baptist Church via Christian experience. He faithfully served under the leadership of Pastor Peter Williams (1957-1998) and Pastors Lane and Toyea Hawkins (1998-2022). For sixty-four years and eight months, Charles served God and the church honorably and faithfully in the following capacities and offices: deacon, facility maintenance, culinary ministry, associate minister, elder, associate pastor, and the Male Chorus. Charles' heart to serve God and others ventured far beyond his family and the four walls of the church. He would visit, pray for, encourage and serve communion to the sick, shut-in, and hospitalized church members and others. For years, every Tuesday, along with the Senior Mission of Neighborhood Baptist Church, he would minister to and serve the residents and patients of Laguna Honda Hospital. On Thursdays, he would teach Bible Study at a Men's halfway house on Mission Street in San Francisco, CA. Charles received innumerable awards, appreciation ceremonies, and accolades from his family, church, community, and political officials. Charles was a wise, kind, gentle giant with a friendly disposition, calm demeanor, and a generously enormous heart that loved everyone unconditionally, without restraint. He was a man of limitless faith who loved family, fellowship, sports, and most undoubtedly, good food! He aged gracefully as he monitored the quality and intake of his food and continued to play sports and exercise. In Texas, he was known as "Bubba," and in California, he was known as "Papa Charles" and "The Traveling Man." During his extra-long walks and running errands in his neighborhood, he gained many friends along the way. He knew his neighbors and the owners of the local businesses and established solid relationships with each of them. Some referred to him as the mayor of Hayes Valley. He loved well and was well-loved. When individuals did not have a place to live, he opened up his home. If someone needed clothing, food, or money, he liberally and literally gave his all. On May 23, 2022, Charles, the “Traveling Man”, finished his course, received his ultimate healing, and reached his final destination. On June 1, 2022, he was honored and laid to rest as a United States Veteran at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. Charles was preceded in earthly transition by his parents, Reverend L.E. and L.B. Allen, his younger brother Donnie Hue, former spouse and longtime friend Annie Lee Turner, close friend Richmond Turner Jr., niece Cornelia and nephews Kerald, Gerry, and Ernest. He leaves to honor, uphold and expand his legacy, his sister Lillian (92), his first cousin Deacon Willie Wilkins (90), niece Chaurice, children Kevin, Kraig, Kimberly, Karla, grafted-in daughters, Denise, Patricia, Regina, Antonia (Maverick), grandchildren, Teddy (Genesis), Lauren, Ryan (Xavia), Rashad, Jillian, Brittany, Cynnamon, Cornell, Christian, CJ, great-grandchildren, Ellah, Livee, Ivy, Jaylen, Bryce, Ryann, Za’Nia, Zaryah, Julian, Blayke, His cherished Texas Family, his beloved Neighborhood Baptist Church family, and a host of spiritual sons, spiritual daughters, relatives and friends.

Charles Edward Allen

January 23, 1931 - May 23, 2022