Jerry Eugene Allen

     Jerry Eugene Allen, age 83, of Sumner, MI, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on April 22, 2025.
     Born on June 16, 1941, Jerry was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Evelyn (Hollabaugh) Allen of Sumner. His life was shaped by the miles he traveled and the people he met along the way. A hardworking and deeply dedicated truck driver, Jerry spent over 50 years on the road, logging more than 5 million miles. He retired in 2013, with a remarkable, accident-free record.
     Jerry was known for his sincerity, kindness, quick wit, and unforgettable one-liners. While others might have chosen to focus on the bad in people, Jerry—alongside his identical twin brother, Jack—always chose to see the good.
     He found joy in life’s simplest pleasures: homemade popcorn with extra butter, a glass of whiskey, mowing the lawn, and a good conversation. Jerry made daily calls to his kids and grandkids just to hear their voices. He loved Memorial Day Weekend camping trips at Jack and Darlene’s house and cherished time spent in his shop helping grandkids and great-grandkids with their “special projects.”
     Before settling into his decades-long career with McKinley Trucking, Jerry experienced a unique childhood—attending school in 38 states and 8 Canadian provinces. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1959.
     Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; daughter, Shelly Longanbach; son, Scott (Julie) Allen; grandchildren: Heather (Adam) Wood, Erin (Zac) Ruthenberg, Zach (Miranda) Allen, and Jacob Allen; and great-grandchildren, Evan and Bryce Wood, and Marley and Macie Ruthenberg. He is also survived by his twin brother, Jack Allen; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Frances Allen; in-laws, Bill and Jean Hollabaugh; sister Judy Stark; brother-in-law, Dennis Stark; sister-in-law, Darlene Allen; nieces: Denise Terwilliger and Lindsey Hubbard; and nephew, Brett Terwilliger.
     The family would like to extend a special thank you to his nephew Joe, whose dedication and kindness in driving Jerry to dialysis and running errands brought comfort, dignity, and companionship during his final chapter.
     Per his wishes, there will be no services at this time.
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.