Thanks, Joan

Enid lost a beloved and caring community builder with the death June 14 of Joan Allen.

Most recently, Joan was celebrated as a philanthropist who gave generously of her time as well as financially supporting community projects — especially the Enid Symphony Orchestra and David Allen Memorial Ballpark. Before that, she was known as a smart and caring business woman and devoted mother. With an academic background in dietetics and nutrition, Joan was head dietitian at Enid Memorial Hospital and then worked in child nutrition. She later earned her private pilot’s license. As her husband Paul and partner Dave McLaughlin built Advance Meat Company into the 1,600-employee Advance Food Company, Joan was an active participant, sometimes flying a company plane and preparing/ testing food all in the same day.

In more recent decades, Joan devoted time to the Enid Symphony Orchestra, where she personally sewed much of the tapestry and prepared ornate decorations as the symphony renovated a former Masonic Temple into the elegant Enid Symphony Center. She twice served as president of the Enid Symphony Association, and the main symphony performance hall is named in her honor.

She also spent considerable time at David Allen Memorial Ballpark, which she and Paul helped build in what once was a decaying industrial area of downtown Enid. The ballpark, named after their son who died in 1995, is now regarded as one of the nation’s premiere amateur baseball facilities.

Through their hard work in business, Paul and Joan acquired significant financial resources that they have used to benefit the Enid community. What’s unusual, and significant, is how Joan has spent considerable time as well as money helping others. At the ballpark, she has been a constant presence, developing an interest in the players as individuals and sharing her love for baseball and life. Ballpark director Bill Mayberry described her as a surrogate mom, friend and mentor to players and coaches.

In other volunteer activities as well, Joan’s enthusiasm was infectious as she led efforts to help people and improve our community.

A memorial service is set for 6 p.m. today (Monday, June 17) at David Allen Memorial Ballpark, allowing friends to celebrate and honor her life.

But, many at the ballpark that she held so dear have already expressed thanks to Joan. She was at the ballpark for the championship game of the NJCAA World Series less than three weeks ago. When Joan was identified sitting above the concourse on the first base side, the entire crowd of 4,220 people rose and turned toward her and gave her a standing ovation. What a moving tribute to a great lady.

God bless Joan Allen.