Harold “Bud” Allen

November 28, 2020
Harold “Bud” Allen

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Bud Allen, 82, passed away on November 28, 2020, at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia  He was in the presence of his loving wife of 62 years, Carole (Sherman) Allen.

After graduating from Royal Oak Dondero High School with his sweet heart, Carole, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Bud served with distinction and the Marine Corps held a special place in his heart.  He never let you forget that, “once a Marine, always a Marine.”  Following the Marines, he attended Western Michigan University where he played tight end and defensive end on the football team.  Bud was also a police officer for the City of Kalamazoo.

Bud began a long career in advertising after his time at Western.  His iconic career took him to Chicago to work on the Pillsbury account at Leo Burnett, to Milwaukee where he was the Advertising Manager for Schlitz Malt Liquor, and finally back to Detroit.  In Detroit Bud was a pillar in the automotive advertising community.  He held various management positions at Cunningham & Walsh, Campbell-Ewald, and McCann Erickson advertising agencies.  In his later years, he managed the Detroit Sales office for Car & Driver Magazine among other titles.  An accomplishment that Bud was especially proud of was his role in launching “George” magazine and his friendship with the magazine’s founder, John F. Kennedy, Jr.  He retired as Senior Vice-President.

One of Bud’s passions in life was his love for the game of golf.  Golf helped him in both his business world and his personal life by forging many lifelong friendships. He was very competitive, but always a gentleman on the course.

Bud loved to boast about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  It was a right of passage to be photographed on Grandpa’s lap while he sat in his big chair.

Bud is survived by his wife, Carole, daughters Sue Walton and her spouse Kat, and Sandy Russell, sons, Steve Allen and Tom Allen, 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  His kind words and love of life will continue to live in our hearts.  Hit ’em straight, Bud.

A Celebration of his life will be held on January 9, 2021, at the Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Va.  The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg, or the Marine Corps at semperfifund.org/donate/

 


Memorial

Saturday, January 9, 2021
2:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • December 01, 2020
    Kevin,Tiffiny, Madeline and Olivia Brown says:
    We are so very sorry receive this news. Bud always had great stories to share. I enjoyed swapping advertising stories with Bud and he and Kevin had lots to discuss between the military and Michigan football. Go Blue! It was honor to know him and we send prayers and hugs to Carole and her family. Heaven just got a treasure. He will be missed.

  • December 02, 2020
    Donald & Karen Williams says:
    Very sorry to hear Bud's passing. Bud and I had a great relationship and shared many great times together. Bud and Carole were fun to be with and we will miss Bud very much. Our prayers are with you Carole and your family.

  • December 04, 2020
    Bernie. & Sharron Ris says:
    We met Bud and Carole at Royal Oak Dondero High School 67 years ago and became close friends. We stayed in contact over the years since and got reacquainted at many Class Reunions. Bud will be remembered by all his friends back in Michigan.

  • December 06, 2020
    Gary & Suzie Brown says:
    Rest In Peace Bud and thanks for your friendship with the Brown family. As Dick Brown was fond of saying, “Love all Around!”

  • December 11, 2020
    Ken & Janet Grunst says:
    Little did Janet or I know when we moved to Williamsburg that we would find such great friends (and next-door neighbors) in Bud and Carole Allen. For over 14 years we have enjoyed special times together. Sharing glasses of wine, having a great golf rivalry with Bud (he usually won), attending Christmas concerts together at the Chapel, and even watching an occasional Detroit Tiger Game (and you really had to be a fan and friend to stay for all 9 innings), has given us many special memories. You continue to be in our prayers, Carole. You have been a faithful caregiver.