Today we honor and celebrate the life of a "True Man," Mr. Kenneth Eugene Allen (Whitfield). He embodies the word True because throughout his life "What you saw was what you got!"... honesty, loyalty, a hard worker and defender of his family, unashamedly affectionate towards those he cared about and politely courteous to those who had motives he questioned (a true gentleman). He was a comedian without trying to be funny and genuinely and openly shed tears when he spoke of how good God was to him! Truly this man has left memories and stories that will bring laughter and joy to all who knew him and appreciated he truth of his life.

Kenneth was born on February 25, 1941 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Walter Allen (who preceded him in death) and Evelyn Louise Rogers. His mother remarried and he later became the proud big brother of his ten siblings and adored son of Wiley Whitfield (who preceded him in death). The Whitfield-Allen Clan was now complete at thirteen! There were no "steps" and no one could deny the love between him and his Dad! Wiley loved all his children, but Kent got the extra "bills" secretly slipped in his pocket. Up until Kent's death, he would say, "I sure miss Daddy. Boy, if he was here, he..."! That same incredible love was for his mother. Everybody knew Ken was a Mom's Boy. He didn't hide it and didn't care if you cared. He so loved his mother, she so loved him, and she made sure he was always well taken care of.

Kent was known by several nicknames, most of which described his amazing physical strength "Chuck Wagon", "The Ox", "Big Kent". On the family farm, he was the one who could wrestle down 500lb. hogs and easily take out any school bully or threat to his sisters (and in later years, even threats to his nieces)! He was educated in the Cahokia School District and after school, he did well! He had strength, he had work ethics, plus he had the favor of God! Therefore, no matter the global economics, Kent always had a good job! He spent most of his years working at East Casting Company, later to retire from Ms. Hullin's Restaurant in Saint Louis. Of course, that wasn't enough to exhaust him, so helping his parents repair rental property, cutting the lawn of his neighbors and helping others moving from one place to the other, was a regular part of his generosity. "Just call Ken!"

beside all the natural impressive, there was a spiritual side of this True Man that could never be overlooked. It was the greatest part of his core..."He loved the Lord"! Being raised in church, he was around the environment; however, he personally made a decision and accepted Jesus into his heart and was filled with his Spirit. Through the years, he stayed connected to the Body of Christ. He attended New Life M.B. Church (Pastor Codi Johnson), King Of Glory Holiness Church (his brother, Pastor Ronald Whitfield) and in his last years were faithful at The Clinic Deliverance and Worship Center (his brother-in-law, Pastor Howard (Wilma) Walker). The church choir was not enough for Kenneth, he was also known for his amazing, he was also known for his amazing tenor voice and used it in quartets and solos in his latter years. His favorite song was, "When I See Jesus, Amen!" At this moment, we know he sees Him!

On August 29, 1978, Kenneth was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Dorothy Jean Allen. The fruit of this union brought his extreme joy as he welcomed the birth of his two daughters, Kennetta and Tyronda. Kenneth had a really big heart. He loved big and he loved hard toward everyone; however, it did not compare to the immeasurable love he ad for his beautiful girls. Grown ladies now, yet still his eyes twinkled and you saw the joy when he was with them. He was a great father, dependable and proud of his offspring. Just repeat their names and you would see him light up! Just bring his grands around and he would become a kid again. He was a family man and he truly loved his family.

In the final years of his life, as his health began to fail, he was never alone. God was forever with him and so was his clan, all pulling together to make sure the True Man had the best! Special acknowledgement to his sister and family (Paulette/Blacks) who were wonderful caregivers for years, later passing the baton to elder siblings (Gwendolyn/Ronald) who assured he had the best care every day. During his final days, all witnessed the answer to his ninety-seven years old mother's prayers. He was well rewarded. Days of no suffering. Days of no Pain. Comforted by siblings, is mother, his wonderful children and grandchildren until the angels of His Lord came to peacefully usher the True Man home to the True King! He will be remembered and dearly missed.

Kenneth Eugene Allen leaves to cherish his memories: his children ~ Kimberly Allen, Kennetta Allen, and Tyronda Allen (Emmanuel Olatunde): Ronald Whitfield (Leota), Gwendolyn Robinson, Paulette (Miguel) Black, Michel (Marlene) Whitfield, Maloney (Carey) Noble, Wilma (Howard) Walker, Anthony Whitfield, Tyrone (Deneice) Whitfield and Tessa Whitfield; five grandchildren ~ Ashton, Austin, Ariana Joy, Jeremiah and a precious one on the way!; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends (the Collins family) immeasurably impacted by his life.