John William Allen

John William Allen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on January 4, 2024. John was born on January 12, 1934, in Globe, Arizona, to John R and Delia Freestone Allen. He was raised in Arizona on a farm in a loving home and is now happily reunited with two of his siblings—Marvin Charles and Deann—who both passed away when he was young. He was blessed to share his life with one surviving sibling Robert (Raliene). He excelled in athletics—especially football. After high school, he attended Arizona State University where he was a record-setting receiver for the Sun Devils and later declined offers from George Halas and the NFL to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The media reported that “A devil was leaving football to become a missionary.” Missionary work would become a defining legacy of the rest of his life.  Prior to departing on his mission, he was engaged to Hazel Martineau, whom he would later marry on March 16, 1956, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They moved to the Los Angeles California area where John pursued a career as a cardiologist. They remained there while raising their 7 children—Debra (Dennis), Sheryl (Kurt), Marvin (Lori), Beverly, Patricia, Janine (Greg), and Michael (Natalie)—and later retired in Springville, Utah, to be close to family.

John loved education and the opportunity to serve. He spent his career as a cardiologist at USC County Hospital and White Memorial Hospital. He educated hundreds of students, residents and fellows, and loved the pursuit of truth. He was an early pioneer and subsequent expert in the field of cardiac echocardiography. He took a personal interest in each of his patients and was loved and respected by both his patients and colleagues. Following his pseudo-retirement (he continued to study and contribute to medicine as long as his health would allow), he was a significant contributor to BYU’s Rheumatic Relief program in collaboration with his son Marvin and daughter-in-law Lori. 

John was a lifelong missionary who dedicated his life to service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a full-time mission for the church from 1954-56 in the Great Lakes mission as a young man. Later he served in the bishopric, high council and stake presidency for 17 years. Along with his wife Hazel, he presided over 3 separate missions including Tacoma, Washington, Tampa, Florida and the MTC Call Center. He had a tremendous ability to work diligently, remain focused on his missionary purpose and use his science background to compile data which increased mission efficiency. He deeply loved each missionary he served with. He emphasized and taught repeatedly the power of “mighty prayer.” His greatest success as a disciple of Jesus Christ was in his one-on-one interactions. Frequently, the only ones aware of his service and sacrifice were those he was serving.

His love for his Savior Jesus Christ and his deep love and devotion for his wife Hazel, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren defined who he was as an individual. Busy as they were with professional and church responsibilities, John and Hazel never missed a game, recital, or graduation. Supporting his family was one of his greatest joys. He left this earth having given his family the unparalleled gift of knowing of his love and pride in each one of them. He aptly lived the words to his favorite hymn: “By this shall men know ye are my disciple, if ye have love one to another.” 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the church located at 1460 East 900 South in Springville. There will be a viewing held that morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. prior to the services.  Interment will be in the Mapleton Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view them via YouTube Live beginning, Saturday, January 6th at 10:00 am at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUGHrZqfLH0