Gary Don Allen, Brentwood, TN, age 74, passed away Feb. 28, 2012 at the Tennessee State Veterans Home, Murfreesboro, TN. Born Aug. 12, 1937, in Columbus, OH to the late Don and Helen (Rotroff) Allen. His sister, Karen Fastnaught, Toledo, OH survives. Also surviving, his spouse, Linda Mashburn Allen, Brentwood, TN. Gary was a member of the Franklin First United Methodist Church, Franklin, TN and past member of the First Christian Church of Sandusky, OH. He graduated from Findlay High School and attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH and Findlay College in Findlay, OH. While living in Ohio, he belonged to many community clubs including the Sandusky Yacht Club, Toastmasters, the Power Squadron, and the American Legion. Gary worked for Chef's Pantry and then for Stein, Inc. for many years as the Director of Human Resources. He owned the photography studio "Images Unlimited" photographing weddings and portraits. Gary was proud to serve his country in the Army Reserves and then in the Navy. He was presented with a medal and citation from the United States Navy for meritorious achievement as an air crewman of a P-3 patrol aircraft during a special reconnaissance mission off the coast of South Korea for directly detecting and subsequent destruction of an enemy infiltrator surface craft. His efforts were instrumental in bringing his damaged aircraft safely to a landing at a friendly base. His skillful airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He was authorized to wear the Combat "V". During his career he was presented with several other medals and citations. The children with whom Gary shared his life and loved all survive him. They are Deb (Bob) Redmond, Port Clinton, OH; Don Allen, Sandusky, OH; and Dawn (Allan) Peterson, Fremont, OH; whose mother Sarah Crawfis Hartley, survives. Kim Fredrick, Castalia, OH and Chuck (Lisa) Rutger, Vermilion, OH; whose mother Viola Sommers Allen, preceded him in death and whose father Chuck Rutger survives. Christy Kaser-Geiger, Franklin, TN, whose mother Linda Mashburn Allen and father Rev. Larry J. Kaser survive. Gary loved his grandchildren, all of whom survive. They are Greg Allen, Toledo, OH; Bryce and Breanne Fredrick, Castalia OH; Andrea, Bethany, and Laura Rutger, Vermilion, OH; Noah, Evan, Corinne, and Nathan Geiger, Springhill, TN; Brook and Brandi Peterson, Fremont, OH. He also loved his great-granchildren, all of whom survive. They are Zack and Trenton Peterson, Fremont, OH. One nephew, Jeff Fastnaught, Toledo, OH, survives. One neice, Chris Fastnaught, is deceased. A memorial service facilitated by Woodfin Funeral Chapel and Ransom Funeral Home will be held March 20, 2012, at the First Christian Church on Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, OH, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Don Linn officiating. Burial will be at the Margaretta Township, Castalia Cemetery on Bardwell Road in Castalia, OH immediately following the memorial service. A time for visitation with the family at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall will be after the graveside service. Donations to your church or favorite charity are suggested by the family. A Special thank you is given to the administration, doctors, and staff of the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, TN for making the last year of Gary's life as enjoyable as possible. Their expertise and kindness surpassed all expectations.