Monte D.O.

MONTE D. ALLEN, D.O.

May 26, 1958 - April 04, 2016

Dr. Monte Dwain Allen, 57, beloved husband, father and physician, went to reign with our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, April 4, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Allen was born in Fredericksburg, Texas and lived in Portales, New Mexico, Big Lake, Texas and Van Court, Texas during his youngest years. He graduated from Wall High School in Wall, Texas in 1976. As a proud Wall Hawk, he was an outstanding athlete, competing in football and track. Dr. Allen then attended the University of Texas at Arlington, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics in 1982. After working several years as a computer systems analyst at the Bear Creek Country Club in Las Colinas, he returned to school to pursue a career in medicine. Dr. Allen received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth in 1991, and then completed his internship and residency at the Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas. Desiring to specialize in the area of gastroenterology, Dr. Allen then completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the Chicago Osteopathic Hospitals and Medical Centers in 1996.

Looking to return to Texas after completing his training, Dr. Allen was recruited to Laredo by the Laredo Medical Group, and began his practice. He was joined in practice by Dr. Elsa S. Canales in 2004, and together they created Gastroenterology Consultants of Laredo. For almost 20 years, Dr. Allen served his patients in the Laredo area with unmatched dedication and compassion. A true gentleman doctor, he was best known for his tender bedside manner, his heart of a teacher, and his genuine interest in each and every patient.

Despite his huge commitment to the practice of medicine, Dr. Allen's most cherished role was that of husband and father. He married Amy Lynn Ritchie, formerly of Taft, Texas in 1991 and they have 3 children. Katy Lynn Allen is currently a senior at Texas Tech University. Travis Ritchie Allen is a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, and Austin Mabry Allen is a Junior at Alexander High School. Through the years he helped coach his children's teams in cross country, football, and basketball. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than watching his children compete in their sporting events. But it was his day to day example of Christianity, hard work and self -reliance that made him a wonderful father. Always teaching through life's everyday events, he passed along to his children a quiet confidence, a spirit of determination, and love of the Lord. Loving their family time together, the Allens enjoyed many adventures on their vacations, including skiing, scuba diving and hunting. Family reunions brought out his competitive side as the self appointed rule maker of the annual shuffleboard and horseshoe tournaments.

Dr. Allen's love of his family and all people was a reflection of the love of God, which he felt deeply. He served the Lord as a member of the Arkansas Avenue Church of Christ. A believer in the truth of the Bible and God's promises of heaven, he was obedient to God's word. Of Dr. Allen it can truly be said, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Dr. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Travis Glyn Allen of Van Court, Texas, his mother-in-law, Marietta Beard Ritchie of Taft, Texas, and his brother-in-law, Andrew Ritchie of Portland, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, their daughter, Katy, and their sons Travis and Austin. He is also survived by his mother, Delores Smith and step-father Wayne Smith of Burleson, his step-mother Susan Hendershot of Gonzales, his aunt, LuRene Jacoby of San Angelo, sister Deborah Pelzel and her husband Steve of Garden City, brother Doyle Allen of his wife Wendy of Gonzales, brother Russell Smith of Cleveland , Ohio, brother Barry Smith of Burleson, and sister Mia Schauer and her husband Brian of Belmont. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Elsa Canales, Dr. Mohsen Mahani, Dr. Selena Stuart, the staffs of Gastroenterology Consultants of Laredo and Laredo Digestive Health Center, and the amazing ER, 5th floor and ICU nurses and staff at Laredo Medical Center for their help and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, and a Memorial Service celebrating Dr. Allen's life will be held on Monday, April 11 at 10:00 am. Both will be held at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, TX 78041. Burial will be at the family's ranch near Cotulla, Texas at 4:00 pm on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunny Glen Children's Home in San Benito, Texas, The Wounded Warrior Project, or the Gastric Cancer Foundation at gastriccancer.org.

You may express your condolences to the family online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.