David Allen Obituary
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Born on December 9, 1933, to the late David and Mary Allen, David grew up in McKinney, Texas and later went to North Texas State University where he graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. He joined the United States Navy in 1956 and married LaVonne Surprenant in 1959. Together they had four daughters and the family moved around the country until David retired from the Navy in 1979, having earned an MBA from George Washington University. His second career as a Human Resources manager for Bosie Cascade (later Specialty Paperboard) took the family to Beaver Falls, NY where the family lived for 20 years. David and LaVonne retired first in Keene, New Hampshire and later in Hanover, Pennsylvania. As an ardent tennis player, David volunteered as the Girls' Tennis Coach at Delone High School in McSherrystown. He and LaVonne attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hanover and volunteered extensively in the church community.
David was an avid woodworker and could always be found in his workshop creating tables, cradles, and bookshelves. He liked to refer to his time spent there as "making sawdust."
He is survived by his wife and 4 daughters: Lauren, Cathy, Betsy and Anastasia as well as by his 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister.
David will be remembered by his selfless acts of service and his devotion to his family, his church, his community, and his country.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Rd., Hanover, PA 17331. Inurnment will be held privately by the family at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hanover. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 10:30AM – 11:00AM prior to the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Murphy-Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of McSherrystown is entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be shared at www.beckfunerals.com
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501 Ridge Ave, McSherrystown, PA 17344
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