Ronald Neal Allen

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Ronald Neal Allen, 76, of Campbellsville Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2025. Ron was born June 25, 1949 in Glasgow, Kentucky, the son of Robert Neal Allen and Betty Lou (Pardue) Allen, who both preceded him in death. Surviving him is his devoted wife of 42 years, Carolee(Locke) Allen; five children: Rhonda King (Mike), Louisville, Kentucky; Eric Neal Allen (Dawn), Mount Sherman, Kentucky; Tyra Joseph Allen (Sarah), Louisville, Kentucky; Nate Allen (Anna), Hanover, Maryland; and Morgan Allen (Alicia Thomas-Allen), Louisville, Kentucky; eight grandchildren: Alex, Nick, Ashley, Blake, Gracie Mae, Luke, Sami and Nasson; three siblings: Steve Allen (Nancy), Diane Roddy (Mike), and Mary Lou Samuels (Terry). Also surviving are his seven nieces and nephews, Chris, Sonja, Stephanie, Michael, Lisa, Elizabeth and Sarah; and his beloved aunt, Lano Gilbert. Ron graduated from the University of Louisville with his degree in English. He enjoyed writing, delivering beautiful speeches and eulogies for others, watching athletes perform on the football fields and basketball courts, and analyzing the statistics of horseracing, and then betting on the horses based on his research. Ron served 22 years with the Louisville Fire Department, rising through the ranks with unwavering dedication and courage to become Major and ultimately to the very first Chief of Training. He was recognized and lauded as the critical designer and developer of the Louisville Fire Department training facility and associated programs, resulting in the recognition and awards as a top fire department facility at 15th and Hill in Louisville. Ron was also responsible for writing the programming to link the Louisville Fire Department with Emergency Services. Ron not only led with strength and discipline but also with compassion and a deep sense of duty to his community. His bravery in the face of danger was only matched by his warmth and generosity off the job, where he served as a mentor to countless young recruits, guiding them both professionally and personally. His legacy within the department will never be forgotten. Ron was also a passionate football and basketball coach and referee. For over a span of 50 years, mostly at DuPont Manual High School, St. Agnes and St. Francis schools in Louisville, he poured his heart into the players, instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and integrity. He also provided his skills to the basketball court where he helped coach his daughter’s team at St. Francis of Assisi in Louisville. His leadership went beyond the fields and courts, as he touched the lives of many young men and women, helping them grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. He remained a source of wisdom and support for many, long after their time on the team. After his retirement from the fire department, Ron began working as a commercial real estate appraiser with Galloway Appraisal in Louisville. Ron and Carolee later moved from Louisville to Campbellsville where Ron began fulfilling his dream of operating a small farm, raising sheep and chickens. His life was marked by a deep sense of purpose and hard work. But perhaps Ron’s most important role was as husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He created many beautiful memories with each of them, and was always present, always guiding, and always supportive. His legacy of service, leadership, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. A service in his memory will be held on December 11, 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Owen Funeral Home, 9318 Taylorsville Road, Jeffersontown, KY. Ron, your impact was immeasurable, your love infinite, and your legacy unbreakable. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Ronald Neal Allen

June 25, 1949 - December 5, 2025