Reverend John T Allen made his peaceful transition on May 21, 2008. He was born June 23, 1925 in Vaden, Arkansas, to Reverend Oliver B. Allen and Ida (Lee) Allen, who preceded him in death. Wife of 34 years, Melva Lee (Nelson) Allen, one (1) daughter, Melva Joyce Allen and two brothers, Ervin Allen of Arkadelphia and Lincoln Allen, of Los Angeles, California also preceded him in death. Reverend Allen was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a prominent minister in the Southwest District Missionary Baptist Association of Arkansas Reverend Allen leaves to mourn his passing, one brother Robert Earl Allen of Detroit, Michigan; four (4) children; John O. Allen, Gary Allen, Carolyn J. (Judge) Evans, and Debroah L. Allen; (14) grandchildren; (31) great- grandchildren; (4) nieces; (1) nephew; and a host of relatives and friends. Home-going celebrations will be held at Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 321 South 3rd Street, Ashdown, Arkansas on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. and Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1600 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Thursday May 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are by Welch Funeral Home, 202 South Fourth Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign guest book. Reverend Allen will lie in state at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 9:00 AM until service time on Thursday. He will lie in state at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ashdown from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 321 South Third Ashdown, AR 71822.