J Dewayne Allen

J. Dewayne Allen, 82, of Paragould passed away on November 15, 2020, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro.

Born in Pollard, Arkansas, on June 21, 1938, he was the son of Fred and Thelma Mae (Toombs) Allen.

After graduating from Piggott High School in 1956, Dewayne worked in the Chevrolet plant in St. Louis for a short time. During a hitch hiking trip back to Piggott, he was given a ride by a man from Springfield, Illinois, who owed a construction company. Their conversation between Haiti, Missouri and Piggott landed Dewayne a job offer with this man's company. Dewayne then spent the next twelve years in central Illinois, graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in civil engineering.

While in Illinois, he met his wife, Mary Ann, on a blind date. They were married March 31, 1962.

Construction and concrete were Dewayne's love. In 1968, he moved his family back to Piggott and opened ready mix concrete plants and sand and gravel operations in Piggott, Corning, Kennett, Missouri and Paragould.

In 1977, he began manufacturing concrete finishing and placing equipment at the location of his Paragould ready mix plant. This business grew to be Allen Engineering Corporation, now a premier manufacturer selling equipment worldwide.

Dewayne is named as an inventor in over 100 patents for concrete finishing and placing equipment. His years in this industry have left its impression. He was an innovator, challenger and mentor.

Dewayne is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, two sons, Jay (Lesle) of Jonesboro and John of Paragould; seven grandchildren: Jessica (Drew) Allert, Daniel, Grace, Anna Joy, Mary Leigh, John, Jr. and Jaxon Allen; his brother Charles Allen of Paragould and sister Maggie Camden of Pekin, Illinois.

Because of Covid 19 restrictions, a private memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Paragould.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 667, Paragould, AR. 72451 or to the charity of your choice.