Allen Lovelace

Colonel Allen J Lovelace, age 84, went to be with his Lord early in the morning of August 21, 2016, after a battle with bone cancer. He was born on May 5, 1932, in Krum, Texas to Charles Carlton and Beartice Inmon Lovelace. Allen grew up in Carrollton, Texas, graduating from Carrollton High School. Allen then attended North Texas State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in biology with a strong minor in chemistry. He served three years in the United States Army as a photographer. After his military service, Allen returned to North Texas State to complete his work toward a master's degree in biology and education. During this time, he met the love of his life, Caroline Cole. After Allen and Caroline graduated, they married and became a truly united couple for 58 years.

The couple relocated to Roswell, New Mexico, where Allen began a long career at New Mexico Military Institute, teaching biology for 36 years and eventually becoming the head of that department. Many cadets still recall his humorous ways of relating biology concepts to them. During his years at NMMI, Allen had a summer occupation which utilized his broad knowledge of biology, working with a crop inspection agency that advised local farmers what, if any, pest-control treatments their crops required.

A lifelong Methodist. Allen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Roswell for 57 years, where he often taught junior high or adult Sunday school. His love of music was evident by his lively participation in both the chancel choir and the Silver Chords music ministry. He also had a special interest in the Monday Morning Men's Prayer Breakfast, which he attended faithfully. Allen was a member of The Gideon's International and helped distribute many Bibles throughout his years as a member.

As might be expected of someone with his background in biology, Allen kept an immaculate yard and grew beautiful roses each summer. He loved chess, playing tournaments both in person and via the mail. He was also always ready for a game of Mexican train dominoes. A big supporter of NMMI basketball, he, also, thoroughly enjoyed his Texas teams of the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Longhorns, and, later, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Some of Allen's last words came as the family watched a Dallas Cowboy pre-season game, when, though he had not been able to communicate for hours, he suddenly asked plainly, "What's the score?".

Allen's love of family always came first. He is survived by his wife and Christian helpmate, Caroline Cole Lovelace. Together, they touched the lives of NMMI cadets and many others with their prayers and ministry to those in need. He is also survived by his daughter, Patty Lovelace, and his son, Ben Lovelace, both of Roswell; they will be forever grateful for his Christian influence in their lives. Also surviving Allen arc his three grandchildren, whom he adored, John Lovelace, of Albuquerque, Josh English, of Roswell, and Carrie Dillard, of Amarillo, Texas. Survivors also include Allen's brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Nancy Lovelace, of Garland, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Danny Andersen, of Duncanville, Texas; niece, Lynn; nephews. Greg. Brian, Derek, Todd, and James; and many great-nieces and nephews.

The family feels in lieu of flowers, Allen would have liked for contributions to be made to the Music Memorial Fund or the Silver Chords ministry at First United Methodist Church in Roswell. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2016, at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the columbarium at First United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Tina Cross and Reverend Laird Cross assisted by Reverend John Fuss.