Gabriel Joseph Allen, originally of Phoenix, AZ., passed away at the age of 40 in his home surrounded by family, loved ones, and hospice (Rebecca) on 19 May 2021. Gabe was born to Sandra McLean, in Phoenix on 15 May 1981. Gabe was the eldest of three children and came to know his dad, David Lee Allen III, while being the best man at their wedding at the age of eight.  Gabriel was a child of God and practiced the Catholic faith.

Gabe often spoke of his childhood memories in Arizona, especially the times spent with his Grandpa and Grandma, as well as his best friends Simon and Fernando Flores. This was a time in his life when Gabriel developed a love of cooking, playing the guitar, camping, and fishing – but most importantly a true passion and understanding of FAMILY!
Gabriel moved to Salina with his family where he and Emily Eikenberry had one son, Anthony Joseph Allen.
Gabe excelled in school and received a certification in Culinary Arts.  Gabe loved to cook!  At any family gathering from three to thirty, you could hear Gabe scream, “I’ve got this!”, referring to the BBQ grill.  Damn that man COULD cook! One of his proudest accomplishments was being promoted to Head Chef at K-State of Salina, where he managed the menu and staff, cooking for hundreds of students daily.  Gabe later found himself as an iconic cook at a prestigious restaurant in Russell, KS. Gabe also worked in the construction field as a certified forklift operator for Advance Auto and King Construction Inc.
Gabe was an avid fan of music, movies, literature, trivia, golf, the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco 49ers.  By avid we mean excessive or exaggerated, because if you had a question about ANY of these hobbies, Gabe knew the answer and then some!  He had a true gift of memory and was a wealth of knowledge. Gabe was active in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) throughout much of his adult life.  During this time, Gabe found many friends that he inspired, mentored and sponsored within the program. Perhaps, some are alive today through his leadership.

Gabriel was preceded in death by his great-grandma, Mable Willett (108 years old); grandparents, Robert and Judith McLean, Ophelia and David Lee Allen II; dad, David Lee Allen III; aunts, Carolyn (McLean) Pearson and Robin (Carlson) Grebba; and uncle, Robert G. McLean “Uncle Bobby”.

Survivors include: son, Anthony Allen of Woodstock, IL.; mother, Sandra (Allen) Oelke and step-dad/friend, Robert Oelke of Salina; brother, Travis Allen of Steamboat Springs, CO.; sister, Kristina Allen; aunt, Gabriella (Gabby Allen) Carter; uncles, Jim Allen, and Butch Carter, all of Salina; cousins, Donovan (Duck) Lewis of Lampoc, CA., Edward Lewis of Bennington, KS.; Melissa Carberry of Ft. Worth, TX., Shawn Carlson of Surprise, AZ., Brandon Carlson of Afton, WY., Nichole Carlson of Las Vegas, NV., Michael, Alison, and Krista Carter of Salina, Amber Lee Masterson of Las Vegas, Hannah and Tyler Allen and Samantha Fairchild of Salina, Brandi McLean of Nashville, TN., Joshua McLean of St. George, UT.; first wife, Sara (Ervin) Allen of Salina; companion, Brenda Grubaugh of Russell; life-time friends, Matt and Kristan Hernandez and Romie Lee all of Salina.

Family requests memorials be made to Ryan Mortuary of Salina.

There have been multiple “God Winks” since Gabe’s passing and Gabriel’s parents will be holding a “Celebration of Life Memorial” on 5 June 2021, in their home at 720 S. Front St. Salina, from noon-UTC, for those who’d like to attend and or pay their respects.