Columbus church filled to the brim as people celebrate the life of Judge John Allen
There was a full house at St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church at noon Friday. People from around the Chattahoochee Valley, including members of the Columbus government and law community, sat in the burgundy pews.
They were gathered to celebrate the life of Judge John Allen Sr., whose death was announced Sunday.
The teal and aquamarine room was filled with cheers of “Amen” and laughter as speakers took the podium to talk about Allen.
Solicitor General Shevon Thomas read a selection from John 7:21-24. Thomas said Allen swore both him and his son, Shevon Thomas II, in as lawyers.
As Thomas stepped down from the podium he walked in front of the picture of Allen, stood at attention and saluted his friend.
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman spoke about Allen’s significant contributions in the Air Force.
Countryman said Allen flew 284 missions as a jet pilot during the Vietnam War. He said Allen earned six Distinguished Flying Crosses and 23 air medals.
“He was determined, professional, (with a) devotion to duty and service,” Countryman said. “John Allen was a man who made enormous contributions to our city, our state and our nation.”
Superior Court Judge Bobby Peters stood up next to speak about Allen. Peters at one time ran a law practice with Allen. Peters said Allen had a policy: “Anyone that walks in the door, it’s free.” Peters said that if someone came in and didn’t have the money, they didn’t charge to represent them.
Peters said, “I told him one time, ‘John, we gotta make some money next year. We made a lot of friends,’” at which the crowd laughed.
Peters visited Allen before his death and said Allen said to tell everyone that he was 82 and ready to pass on. Allen asked Peters to say a few words at his funeral. Peters told Allen there were so many stories he could tell, to which Allen replied, “Just write it according to your height, keep it brief,” at which the crowd burst out in laughter.
Peters said Allen was the “epitome of the legal profession.” Peters announced to applause that he has filed a petition to name the new judicial center after Allen.
Judge Ben Richardson said he once asked Allen what kept him going during flight training in the Air Force. He said Allen told him it was his mother going around Columbus bragging that Allen was going to become a pilot.
Richardson said Allen had a love for his family and friends, which Allen characterized as a person’s “foundation.”
Richardson referenced Shakespeare, saying: “Some men are born great, some men achieve greatness and some men have greatness thrust upon them.” Richardson said Allen checked all three boxes. He ended his speech emotionally, saying, “Thank you for always being there for me and believing in me.”
“In a time when social justice was more than just a buzzword and every step mattered, John Allen stood tall as a judge and leader in Columbus,” said Rev. Dr. L.K. Pendleton. “His legacy, marked by his unshakable faith and determination, was a testament to the power of questioning and learning.”
Pendleton said Allen represented the best in the community and fought for it until the end.
Pendleton said she asked Allen how he wanted to be remembered. “He said that he wanted to be remembered as someone who served well, so that the possibility of African Americans serving in this position is more broadly accepted.”
After Pendleton concluded, “Taps” was played and two members of the Air Force folded the American flag and presented it to Allen’s family.