Cliston Edward "Eddie" Allen

Sept. 28, 1936-July 31, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend, Cliston Edward "Eddie" Allen, who passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026 at Franciscan Hospital, Lafayette.  Eddie lived a life defined by unwavering love for his family, dedicated service to his community, and a steadfast work ethic that inspired all who knew him.

Eddie was born on September 28, 1936 to Cliston H. Allen and Frances (Sanders) Allen, who preceded him in death.  He was raised in the Wingate and Elmdale communities, where he developed the values of hard work, faith, and kindness that remained with him throughout his life.

On August 1, 1953, Eddie married the love of his life, Marilyn Kay Seybold, in Wingate.  Together they shared nearly 73 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, family, and countless cherished memories. Marilyn survives him.

A proud graduate of Coal Creek Central High School's very first graduating class, Eddie was active in athletics during his school years and carried his school pride throughout his life.

Eddie dedicated nearly 43 years to RR Donnelley before retiring in 1996.  Beginning as an Apprentice, he became a Journeyman, Machine Bookbinder, and ultimately served as Smyth Binding Supervisor for the final 29 years of his distinguished career.  His commitment, integrity, and leadership earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Community service was an important part of Eddie's life.  He was a lifetime member of the Crawfordsville Elks Lodge for more than 62 years, faithfully serving as an officer and helping lead the Elks Ritual Champion Team to three District Chair championships during the mid-1970s.

Eddie also attended Woodland Heights Christian Church.  He gave his life to the Lord and raised his children with the Christian values he lived by each day.

Eddie had a deep appreciation for history, particularly World War II.  He spent countless hours reading, collecting books, documentaries and historical films, and proudly supported both the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans as a charter member.

A lifelong Purdue fan, Eddie rarely missed cheering on the Boilermakers in football and basketball.  He also found joy in caring for his yard, spending winters at his Florida home, and opening his doors to family and friends.  Some of his happiest days were spent hosting loved ones, creating memories with family, and simply enjoying each other's company.

Following retirement, Eddie especially treasured attending North Port High School, Florida basketball games, proudly watching and supporting his youngest son, Curt, who served as the school's head basketball coach and teacher.

Above all else, Eddie's greatest joy was his family.  He loved deeply and unconditionally, and his greatest pride was watching the generations of his family grow.  His kindness, gentle spirit, quiet wisdom, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on in each of them.

Eddie is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Brad (Linda) Allen, Cynthia (John) Roberts, Pamela (Terry) Stephens, Sally (Brian) Delks, and Kelly (Mike) Cain.  He also leaves behind twelve cherished grandchildren: Chadd (Misty) Cassida, Heidi (Marc) Bonwell, Brandon (Stephanie) Allen, Candice Cassida Cox, Megan (Jeremy) Shaw, Casey (Rebekah) Delks, Haley Roberts Beach (Andy), Tyler (Haley) Delks, Micah (Larissa) Delks, Whitney (Clayton) Muller, Chloie (Trevor) Storms and Abraham Cain.

His legacy continues through his adored great-grandchildren: Brandon Boller, Kennedy (Grant) Gayler, Chase (Kristin) Cassida, Conner (Cassie) Cable, Claire Bonwell, Cali Cassida, Frances Shaw, Nolan Allen, Caleb (Rachel) Cox, Violet Shaw, Caroline Cox, Emery Allen,  Ava Delks, Ella Delks, Saylor Delks, Hudson Beach, Cain Storms, Sullivan Delks, Dawson Allen, Hank Muller, Penn Storms, Easton Delks, Isla Beach, Jack Muller, Luke Muller Maizy Delks, Trae Storms, Evin Delks, Reid Storms and Truett Delks.

He was also blessed to become a great-great-grandfather to Gordon James Gayler.

Also surviving are his sister-in-law, JoAnn Allen, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.  Eddie is also survived by his beloved, precious dog, Dazey May.

He was preceded in death by his son, Curtis Allen; daughter-in-law, Debbie Allen; his parents, Cliston and Frances Allen; his brother, James D. Allen; his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Frances Seybold; brother-in-law, Wayne (Darrieux) Seybold; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Seybold Lupus and Martha Seybold.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the family he loved so fiercely.  His life was one of faith, humility, generosity, and unconditional love.  We will forever cherish his warm smile, steady presence, and the countless lessons he taught us simply by the way he lived.

Visitation will be from 11 AM to 1 PM Friday, August 7th at Burkhart Funeral Home.  Services will begin at 1 PM.  After the service, he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery South.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, 1104 Big Four Arch Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, a cause close to Eddie's heart.