John "Jack" Allen

John Smith Allen, (Jack), our loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world peacefully on June 6, 2023.

Jack was born March 4, 1926, in Price, Utah to Louis and Margaret (Smith) Allen. He was the 5th of 6 children. He grew up in Salt Lake City for most of his youth where he attended East High and played on their basketball team. His father passed away while Jack was in high school which required him to help support his family. He caddied at Fort Douglas Golf Course and sold newspapers on the corners of Hotel Utah, ZCMI and Schubachs.

Jack met the love of his life Betty Lou Bird at the Paramount Theater on Center Street in Provo, Utah. The theater was located next to the Allen’s Super Save Market. He proposed to her in the basement of the store not long after. Jack and Betty were married March 23, 1947, in Provo, Utah. They were later sealed in the Manti LDS Temple June 1, 1963. They were married 73 wonderful years until Betty passed away in April of 2020.

Jack loved his family and was proud to let people know he had 5 children, 27 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. The children loved his magic shows, parties, and dad jokes. He had a great sense of humor. Although, he got the biggest kick out of himself! He would laugh energetically and give a mischievous grin. He was a fantastic example of positive thinking! He would zealously quote a variety of motivational speakers and positive affirmations.  “I can’t” was never in his vocabulary! He lived life with purpose and great zeal!

Jack and Betty were exceptional dancers and shared many hobbies. They traveled around the world and especially loved cruising. Jack enjoyed basketball, boating, bowling, snow and water skiing, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was always on the go!

From a very young age Jack had an exceptional work ethic. He always worked hard, was highly motivated and very honest in his dealings. He was a partner with his brothers and brother-in-law in the Allen’s Super Save Markets, Hi-Spots, and pharmacies. He managed the Springville Allen Super Save Market for many years. Later he became an entrepreneur and had a variety of successful business ventures. He owned many properties and managed the Art City Village Apartments in Springville, Utah. Jack was a real estate agent at Osmond, Rosemark, and Martensen Real Estate Agencies. He was in the Martensen Million Dollar Club and won Salesman of the Year multiple times at Osmond and Martensen Real Estate Agencies. You could cover a wall with all the #1 plaques he received!

Jack loved working in the community and with the public.   He was the Springville Chamber of Commerce president. He served as the County United Fund Organization president, Art Sweepstakes Promotion Manager, Scenic Circle President, and he was chairman of multiple committees. Jack was a natural born leader and organized many community and civic events. He planned carnivals, sidewalk sales, city plays and the Art Ball at the Springville Art Museum.

Everyone was Jack’s friend! He was a very kind and wonderful man. He would make others feel like they were the most important person in the world when they were in his presence. He was very generous and continually did random acts of kindness. This came from his love and devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he held many callings and positions that he thoroughly enjoyed and gave his all.

One of Jack’s most valued opportunities was being an American. He was very patriotic and loved his country. He was a World War II Veteran having served in the United States Navy. This was a privilege and honor which he would never take for granted. He was a true patriot.

Jack is survived by his children John L. (Patricia) Allen, Cynthia (Robert) Nelson, Michelle (Ryan) Davis, Son-in-Law Lewis (Annie) Tippets and sister-in-law Marge (Von) Wright. 27 Grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou Bird Allen, daughter Karen Joy (Allen) Tippets, son Robert Louis Allen, daughter-in-law Jan (Bredesen) Allen, great-grandson Landon Allen, parents Louis and Margaret Allen and all his siblings and in-laws.

The family would like to thank all the incredible people at Dignity Home Health and Hospice and Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary for their professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional care during this delicate time. Josie our nurse and Bill our CNA were fantastic! We would like thank Julie Escobar our 24/7 caregiver, CNA and friend for her genuine love, patience, and the dignified treatment she gave our father. We love and appreciate all of you!

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel on 1260 South 400 West, Orem, Utah. Viewings for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 9th at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, and Saturday at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the Services HERE