Long time Hazlehurst attorney and civic activist Allen dies

Stephen Ellis Allen, Jr., 87, a retired attorney in Hazlehurst, died Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14 at Hazlehurst United Methodist Church with burial at the Hazlehurst Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Stringer Funeral Services in Hazlehurst and from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church preceding the memorial service.
            Born on May 27, 1921, he was the oldest son of Minnie Lee Ainsworth Allen and Stephen Ellis Allen, Sr. He was a 1939 graduate of Hazlehurst High School and attended the University of South Carolina as a freshman. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1943 and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1947.
            Upon graduation from LSU, he received his ROTC commission as a First Lieutenant and served 20 months of active duty in WWII as a Platoon/Company Commander with the 22nd Armored Engineer Battalion of the Fifth Armored Division.  He was awarded numerous awards including the Bronze Star and was released from active duty in 1946. He was recalled into active duty, serving in the Korean War for 21 months. After being released from active duty in 1952, he continued his military career in the Army Reserve as a JAG officer obtaining the rank of Colonel before retiring after 31 years of active and reserve duty.
            He was a practicing attorney for over 50 years and an active member of the community, serving in various civic and professional organizations. He was a faithful member of the Hazlehurst United Methodist Church.  While he served in many capacities, teaching his Sunday School Class for over 20 years was one of his most treasured blessings.
            He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Eugene Ainsworth Allen, and his beloved wife, Agnes Simmons Allen, of 57 years.
            He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Green and husband, Norman, of Jackson; his granddaughter Jenny Ruth Kennedy and husband, Larkin, of Booneville; his grandson, Stephen, of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.
            Memorials may be sent to the Hazlehurst United Methodist Church Building Fund at 127 Caldwell Drive, Hazlehurst, MS 39083.