Donald Keith Allen

Donald K. Allen of Niles, OH, died at 6:15 AM Friday at the Hospice House in Poland, OH following an extended illness. He was 79. Mr. Allen was born in New Martinsville, WV on February 4, 1929, a son of the late Harold Roy and Ruby Mason Allen. He was a graduate of Magnolia High School where he was a 4 year football letter winner and captain of his 1946 football squad. He recently received the Magnolia High School Alumni Life Achievement Award, honoring student athletes from their era. Following high school he went onto Youngstown College on a football scholarship. He also attended Northwestern University. Donald served in the United States Army as a Sergeant during the Korean Conflict, and went on to serve in the National Guard for 17 years. He was employed at the Niles Police Department in 1954 as a patrolman. Donald was the owner and operator of Associated Research Consultants as a Licensed Polygraph Operator. He then went on to work at Republic Steel in the Production Planning and Transportation Department. He continued to serve for 20 years as the President of the office and clerical Union Local #6824. Donald proudly served under Mayor Ralph Infante's Administration since 1992. First serving as Safety Director and presently as Service Director for the City of Niles. His memberships include; Past member of the United Way Charity Committee, Former member of the Niles Football Frontliners, 58 year member of the Niles McKinley Lodge #794 of Free and Accepted Masons where he was a 32nd degree mason, Past worthy president and 47 year member of the Niles Eagles Aerie # 1476 where he was given the honor of the Golden Eagle, Ben Lin Club member, Charter member ITAM Post 39, American Legion Post #106, 40 year member of the Niles Moose Lodge #627 and Niles Moose Legion #87, Past Commissioner for Niles Youth Baseball League. Lifetime member of the Niles Men's Democratic Club, and Former Trumbull County Democratic Central Committeeman for 28 years. His loving wife, Edna Mae Sheets Allen, whom he married December 1, 1951, passed away after 46 years of marriage on Nov. 14, 1997. Survivors include: a son, William and his wife Karen Infante Allen of Niles, OH; 2 granddaughters, Jennifer and Melanie Allen. He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers, Bruce and Robert Allen; 3 sisters, Wilma Games, Maxine Tackett, and Beulah Hawkins. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday at the Lane Funeral Home Niles Chapel 415 Robbins Ave. Calling hours will be from 4-8 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH, 44514 Family and friends may send condolences online to www.lanefuneralhomes.com