Jerry P. Allen 1947-2025

Jerry was born March 5, 1947, in Urbana, the son of the late Jack and M. Maxine Burchfield Allen.

He graduated from Urbana High School in 1965 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Jerry attended Winona State University, Minnesota, later earning his master’s degree in education from Miami University of Ohio.

He dedicated 32 years to teaching health and physical education for the Salem City School District, where he was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2000-2001, retiring in 2006. A passionate and devoted assistant coach, Jerry led the Salem High School basketball team for 30 years, also coaching at Lakeview High School for two years and United Local High School for five years. Additionally, he coached baseball at Salem High School for four years. His dedication to his athletes and colleagues was recognized with his induction into the Salem Hall of Fame as an assistant basketball coach.

Jerry was a faithful servant of the Lord and a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he served as president of the congregation for five years and volunteered in numerous outreach projects. He also took pride in maintaining the church property — most recently mowing the lawn just two weeks prior to his passing.

A valiant fighter, Jerry lived his life with strength, humor and faith. He was also a proud member of the Ohio Education Association and the National Education Association.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his endless sense of humor and his famous “dad jokes,” for which he was truly the king.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia K. Smith Allen, whom he married July 7, 1990; his daughter, Amanda (Philip) Hecker of Bellefontaine; his stepson, Ronald Dressel Jr. of Bloomfield, New Jersey; two grandchildren, Nathaniel Hecker and Kiara Hecker; and his sister, Barbara (Gary) Martin of Urbana.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a nephew, Michael Kinmann.

Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Lane Funeral Home, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Blood Cancer United Donor Services, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

To view this obituary and leave condolences for the family, visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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