David Grant Allen, Jr.

David Grant Allen, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, craftsman, cowboy, and man of quiet faith, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa (Lehi), Arizona, on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 87 years old.

He was born June 11, 1939, in Mesa, Arizona, to David Grant Allen, Sr., and Norene Watkins. The third generation of his family born in Mesa, he was deeply proud of his pioneer heritage. His ancestors were early settlers of the Lehi and Mesa areas, and he treasured the stories of their faith, sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance.

Dave's childhood was not always easy. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother's remarriage meant frequent moves throughout the West. He lived in several communities and experienced a variety of schools and circumstances before eventually making his way back to Mesa as a teenager. The challenges of those early years helped shape the qualities that would define his life: independence, resilience, resourcefulness, and a determination to build a stable and loving family of his own.

In 1957, shortly after graduating from Mesa High School, Dave met Barbara Jane Hathcock at a Mesa High football game. They quickly fell in love and eloped to Silver City, New Mexico, on June 23, 1958. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Their marriage has lasted more than 68 years and has been the foundation of a remarkable posterity.

Together, Dave and Barbara raised five children: Shirley, Shelly, Clay, Leslie, and Daryl. They also cherished the memory of their daughter Judi Lynn, who died as an infant. Dave was a devoted father who taught his children largely by example. He believed in hard work, honesty, personal responsibility, perseverance, and taking care of one another. He was there for his children's many events, and they knew they could count on him.

Dave spent most of his working life in Arizona's concrete and construction industries. He worked in various roles, including heavy-equipment operator, batch operator, and plant manager and superintendent for the Tanner Companies (later United Metro), among other employers. He took great pride in doing his work well and was known for his skill with heavy equipment. Even after retiring, he continued doing grading and tractor work for friends, neighbors, and others. His reputation for doing things right meant that he stayed very busy.

He loved working with his hands and had a remarkable ability to fix, build, and improve things. In later years, that talent took an unexpected artistic turn. After creating his first small sculpture from horseshoe nails, Dave began making intricate Western-themed sculptures of horses, cattle, cowboys, wagons, and other scenes. He made hundreds of them, giving many away to family and friends.

Dave also had a lifelong love of horses, rodeo, hunting, and the outdoors. He competed in calf roping and team roping, organized community rodeos, raised horses and cattle, and enjoyed countless adventures in the Arizona and Utah mountains with family and friends.

His faith was an important part of Dave's life. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in several Church callings and, with Barbara, served as a service missionary at the Humanitarian Center in Mesa. He loved the temple and the example of temples covenants set by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and pioneer ancestors. Dave was not one to speak at length about his faith. Instead, he lived it through his honesty, hard work, service, devotion to his family, and quiet reliance on prayer.

Perhaps the greatest measure of Dave's life is the family he and Barbara built together. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara Jane Allen; children Shirley Rae Penrod (Robert), Shelly Kay Allen, Clayton David Allen (Christina), Leslie Diane Kelley (Kenneth), and Daryl Warren Allen (Amy); 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and sister Rebecca (Rogers) Ohlau. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Judi Lynn Allen; his father David Grant Allen, Sr.; mother Norene (Watkins) Rogers; and sister, Joyce Norene DeYoung.

Dave's life was not defined by wealth, titles, or public recognition. It was defined by something quieter and, in the end, far more enduring. He showed up. He worked hard. He kept his word. He took care of his family. He served his community. He loved God. And he left the world — and especially his family — better because he had been here. His family will miss his steady presence, his stories, his humor, his willingness to lend a hand, and the unmistakable feeling that if Dad was around, things would somehow be okay.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Lehi Ward Building, 830 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, Arizona, with visitation preceding the service from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Interment at the Mesa City Cemetery will take place that morning before the visitation and funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to honor Dave's memory by serving others, working hard, keeping their word, and taking good care of their families — things he spent his life teaching by example. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.