Our beloved father, Lyman Smith Allen, Jr., passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. He was 80 years old.
Born in 1945 in Cobden, Illinois, Lyman moved with his family to Henderson, Kentucky when his father accepted a reverendship at The Immanuel Baptist Temple in 1946. As a young man, Lyman served in the United States Marine Corps and later received a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Kentucky University in 1975.
Lyman and Pamela raised their daughters in the countryside near Hebbardsville, Kentucky, providing a wild and magical childhood shaped by their shared love of the natural world. A natural caregiver, Lyman was a stay-at-home dad and domestic pioneer.
Compassion remained a theme in Lyman’s life. He was a vocal member of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance and fearlessly championed fairness and dignity for every person, regardless of background or orientation. Lyman was also instrumental in the launch of Matthew 25 AIDS Services in Henderson and worked for many years in support of the humanitarian and community efforts of the Zion United Church of Christ.
A talented gardener and artist of the soil, Lyman brought color and beauty into forgotten places. He shared what he knew and shared what he grew with friends, neighbors, and family. Evidence of Lyman’s care and artistry still grows around Henderson, including the St. Joseph Community Apartments, where he lived for many years with his faithful dog, Pepe.
Lyman will be remembered for his rare and untamed spirit, sharp wit, and enduring generosity. He was a devoted father, proud Papaw, loyal friend, birder, berry picker, jazz fan, and unrivaled pen pal. We will miss him forever.
Lyman is survived by his ex-wife, lifelong companion and best friend, Pamela Gonnella Allen; his daughters, Anna Allen Logsdon (Lucas), Ruth Marie Allen, and Zoe Allen Lukehart (Brian); eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his brothers, Calvin Young Allen (Janet), Allen Cagle Allen (Terri); his sister, Jica Allen Crafton (Robert); as well as many nieces and nephews and friends near and far.
Lyman was preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Lyman Smith Allen and Jessie Cagle Allen.
We will hold a celebration of life for Lyman on September 20, 2026, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, at The Recovery Resource Club of Henderson (formerly Zion UCC), 437 First Street, Henderson, KY 42420. Service will begin at 3 pm with a reception following. Floral tributes are welcome and may be sent directly to The Recovery Resource Club on September 18th and 19th.
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