Well known, loved and respected by so many, 60-year Las Vegas resident, Fred Bailey Allen passed away suddenly at his Canyon Gate Country Club home, Sunday, June 29, 2008. Allen was born Aug. 20, 1921, in Deming, N.M., but moved with his parents to Southern California when he was six months old. He graduated from Whittier High School. Pat Nixon (the former president's wife) was one of his teachers. Fred excelled in football and wrestling. He attended San Jose State College where he played football and was on the wrestling team. Then World War II happened. A decorated World War II Marine, Allen served on the U.S.S. Essex, the largest aircraft carrier in the war. He and the ship saw action at Okinawa, Formosa, Luzon, Iwo Jima and the Japanese mainland. Fred served as an aid to the admiral on the Essex. Fred and his young family moved to Las Vegas in the spring of 1948 (population 11,000). He joined the Jaycees (Jr. Chamber of Commerce), the Exchange Club (a member for over 50 years), and was still a member of San Clemente, Calif. Exchange Club, where he had a second home until recently. Fred Allen played a big part in early Las Vegas. His drilling company drilled the first well to start Nevada Southern University (now UNLV). He drilled many thousands of wells all over the state for hotels, golf courses and residential properties. Allen Drilling, now owned by Fred Allen III, has continued to play a big role in the ever-expanding Las Vegas Valley. As the Valley has grown, so has Allen Drilling. Fred Allen Sr. had a long career as a general engineering contractor in drilling before retiring to play golf and travel around the world. He previously served a four-year term on Nevada's Land Water Board, appointed by then Governor Grant Sawyer, and served another four-year term on the Nevada State Water Board, appointed by then Governor Paul Laxalt. In retirement, he became a real estate developer. Losee Road Industrial Park and Whitney Mesa Business Park were some of his developments along with his partners. Fred was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Zelzah Shrine for many years. An avid golfer, Fred belonged to the legendary Desert Inn Country Club until it was dissolved. He was a founding board member of Marbella Golf and Country Club, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., and had been a member of the Canyon Gate Country Club for many years, playing three times a week until his death. He even found golf courses to play on in East Africa right in the middle of a safari trip. Fred had been a member of the UNLV Rebel Golf Foundation for many years and was an avid booster of the UNLV golf team. He was a true sportsman, loving deep sea fishing and hunting and did so all over the world. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Maude Allen; his first wife, Artie M. Allen; his only sister, Adeline Fink of Balboa Island, Calif.; two grandchildren, Felicia and Geordie Foscarini; and his stepson, Craig Haupt of Las Vegas. Fred is survived by his devoted wife, of 24 years, Janice Allen; son, Fred Allen III (Dian) of Las Vegas; his daughter, Judi Foscarini (George) of Powder Springs, Ga.; stepson, Gary L. Haupt of Las Vegas; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Fred loved life and lived life to the fullest! A true gentleman. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Shade Tree Shelter for Women or the UNLV Rebel Golf Foundation in Fred's name. Private services and burial with a U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard will be handled by Palm Mortuary. Fred always said, "Once a Marine - always a Marine." A memorial celebration of Fred's life will be held at a later date for family and friends at the Allen home in the Canyon Gate Country Club.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul. 3, 2008