Robert Allen

Robert Allen was born in Martinsville, VA. After his father died, when Mr. Allen was but 6 years old, he was raised in the Pythian Home of New Market, VA. He graduated from New Market High School and continued his education at Ferrum Junior College. After graduation, he attended VPI for a year and a half. He then sought employment in Washington, DC with Dr. Fields in dermatology.
Mr. Allen was drafted into the military services (Army). He served during Korean Wartime. He trained in the engineering school, leadership training, cartography, marksmanship and artillery associated with paratrooper training. He was honorably discharged. Thereafter he sought employment with the federal government.
He began to work for the Department of Interior in the U.S. Geological Survey. He worked there for 60 years as a cartographer creating and verifying maps all over the globe, branching into Landsat, NASA and mapping of the moon, but his greatest specialty was Antarctica. His final posting was with the SCAR library in USGS Reston, VA. He was honored in the Congressional Record for his achievements and service to the many U.S. researchers and teams that studied Antarctica, particularly at McMurdo.
During his lifetime, Robert enjoyed many hobbies such as vegetable gardening, friendly card games with friends, photography, and bowling. An avid photographer, he had several film cameras, included one for producing stereo slides. He was a champion bowler on various teams in the duckpin leagues, and amassed many trophies and awards. His favored position was anchorman. He was a longtime member of the former Mount Rainer United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and supported the youth program as well as many other charitable activities
Mr. Allen was first married to Elizabeth Cox of Philadelphia. She predeceased him in 1980. He married a second time to Priscilla Butler of Reston. She also predeceased him in 2001. He is survived by his brother, Francis "Jack" Allen, two daughters, Olivia Heath and Frances Notley, a stepson Geoffrey Butler, four grandchildren, a step-grandson, and four great-grandchildren.
Robert Allen had survived several heart surgeries, bladder cancer and melanoma. In his advancing years he suffered increasingly from dementia and heart failure. A final heart attack exacerbated his condition until he passed away Friday in Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to remember Mr. Allen by donations to
Ferrum College, Ferrum VA.
http://www.ferrum.edu/giving_to_ferrum/index.html

ANTARCTICA PROJECT (Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition)
http://www.asoc.org

Alzheimer's Association
http://www.alz.org/