In Memory

Allen Mayhew

Allen Mayhew

Allen Mayhew went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2019, after a lengthy cancer battle.  He was born Allen Lavelle Hellensmith to Lavelle and Margaret Hellensmith on May 2, 1944 in Dodge City, Kansas.  He was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Frank Mayhew, whose last name he took. 

He joined the Army after high school and served 10 years, with two years in Germany and participating in French Commando training.  He was Chief Warrant Officer in Fort Hood, Texas, where he completely revamped the maintenance and repair department of critical electronic and communications equipment for the 2nd Armored Division.  Taking that training to civilian life, led him to a position in the Department of Defense for 23 years.  He received the Civilian Career Service Award from the Defense Contract Management Agency for his significant contributions and dedication.  He worked on long range missiles, F16, EA6B and EF111 fighter aircraft, airborne and submarine counter measures systems, space launch vehicles, and special ops.

Allen earned a BS in Human Resources and worked as a Human Resource Manager.  A man of God, devoted to his unwavering faith, for 15 years he gave his time and expertise at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission for those in recovery, teaching classes on workplace skills so that they could in turn be successful in the world.

A loving husband to his wife, Theresa, and proud father of his two sons, Mark and Bryan, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Allen lived his 75 years well and blessed so many with his kindness and loyal friendship.  Rest in peace, dear classmate!

You can see Allen’s obituary and pictures of his life and family on the website www.wrhsb.com/obituaries/Allen-Mayhew

www.wrhsb.com/obituaries/Allen-Mayhew



 
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10/30/19 10:09 AM #1    

Hilaire Dufresne

My immediate reaction when reading the email notice was "oh no, oh no" . . . Allen was a close friend during our years at SGHS and it was really great to reconnect with him at our 50th and find out what a successful and fulfilling life he had. I'm without words to express my sense of loss of such an even tempered and fun guy with many others who called him a friend like I did.


10/30/19 11:45 AM #2    

Diane Curry (Brewer)

I am very sad to read about yet another classmate gone too soon.  Our group had the pleasure of sitting with Allen at breakfast at the 50th reunion.  He was reading the morning paper but we decided he would much rather chat with us than read the paper.  It turned out to be fun for all of us.  He was living in Santa Barbara at the time and we joked about him checking in on our granddaughter who was in college there at the time.  He promised he would!  We also convinced him that he should keep us up to date on his address changes for our contact list information.  He moved around a lot but never forgot his promise and always let us know where he was living.  I noticed recently that he had moved to my city and invited him to dine with us but didn't hear from him.  I realize now that he must have been very sick even at that time.  I'm sorry we didn't get together but glad that he no longer has to deal with the pain he must have endured.  I liked him..  He was a nice guy always.


10/30/19 12:04 PM #3    

Charles Klumpp

My dear friend Allen, tears fill my eyes because I am sadden with your passing, but your journey is't over yet because the resurrection is still to come. May you be comforted with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the gospel according to John Chapter 3 versus 16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

Goodby for now my friend,

Chuck

 


10/30/19 01:33 PM #4    

Steve Gray

It is very sad to see yet another classmate pass. I extend heartfelt sympathy  and condolences to his family and all those who held him dear. I did not know Allen well but I rember him as a nice guy.   May he rest in peace in a world removed from pain and suffering.


10/30/19 02:47 PM #5    

Bonnie Benson (Concialdi)

So sorry to hear of another classmate gone all too soon!  I didn't know Allen well but I remember him as being a really nice guy and his life story definitely is one of a life well lived for the Lord!!!  God bless him and his loved ones and may He comfort them with all the precious memories they have shared!


10/31/19 08:51 PM #6    

Flora Gibbons (Nichols)

What a marvelous adventure Allen lived. Reading the summation of all his accomplishments, made me want to stand up and cheer, and say...'I knew that guy!'  Such a tragedy though to lose another classmate. I pray his family will take great comfort in knowing he has ran his race and won his crown. May God bless and comfort you all, and my classmates too, who are touched with this loss. 

 

Flora (Gibbons) Nichols


11/01/19 08:05 PM #7    

Margaret Mahar (Allen)

So sorry to see this. Allen was a great godly man. Pray for peace and comfort for Teresa, his sons and grandchildren! His older brother Henry was in my older sister's class S'56.

11/01/19 08:13 PM #8    

Judy Hanson (Dillard)

I talked with Allen quite a few times during my hunt for the missing and he was always very gentlemanly and pleasant. I got to know him better after I made contact(better than when we were in school) and really pushed him on attending the Reunuion. Afterwards he "Thanked" me for pushing.He really enjoyed himself and reconnected with old friends. I know he is pain-free and with his Creator and send heartfelt condoloences to his Family. Rest in Peace Friend.


03/24/20 12:09 PM #9    

Sue King (Ross)

This is the first I heard of Allen's passing. He went to the same church as I did with Bob Day also. He attended all the youth services, the camping at Big Bear conference grounds, and the dances we had at church. He was very quiet, but joined in all the activities. I talked with him at reunion not knowing all he was going through.  He was a friend. God bless him and take care of him and his family. He is at peace.


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