L. Leon Allen, age 74, of Williamston, died peacefully at home on July 21, 2012, after successfully living with heart disease for nine years.  He was the son of the late Leonard R. Allen and Marjorie J. Allen of Roanoke Rapids.
A graduate of NC State, he worked for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service for 31 years serving the farmers and citizens of Nash, Johnston, and Martin counties.  He retired as the director of Martin County’s Cooperative Extension office in 1995 after twenty years.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Williamston and served the community through the Rotary Club and Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Ann Long Allen; his sister Brenda Murray and husband Joe of Winston-Salem and Holden Beach; his children daughter Leigh Allen Guth and husband Brad of Lincolnton, NC; son Jason Allen and wife Susan of Trinity, NC, step-granddaughter Shannon Lewallen of Durham.  His favorite beach and fishing buddies were his grandchildren, Wad and Eric Allen and Alice and Lydia Guth.
The family is particularly grateful for the support of the Lifestyles Center in Washington, Dr. Richard Young, Dr. Anthony Christiano and Dr. David Frazier, Hospice and their staffs for making the past nine years of joyous life possible.
Memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church by Rev. Susan Harrison and Rev. Taylor Mills. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church Williamston, the fund for Danyell Scott Williams, a cystic fibrosis patient awaiting a double lung transplant.
Walker Funeral Home is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfh.net.