John Newton Allen Jr., O.D.
37 Post Condolences
John Newton Allen Jr., O.D. passed away at his home, on April 26, 2020. Surrounded by family and loved ones, and serenaded with hymns and scripture, he passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Newton Allen Sr. and Dorothy Mae Allen, of Wilmington OH, his father and mother-in-law Richard and Marjorie Goostrey of Ithaca, MI and brother-in-law Jeff Goostrey.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy, as well as his daughters and sons-in-law Brandi and Matthew Derby and Jenna and Josh Lienhardt, his much loved grandchildren Selah Grace, Ryah Jeanessa, Katarah Marie, Ezekial John, Judah John Philip, Isaiah James and Zemirah Mae. He was much loved by his brother and sister-in-law, Hal and Sue Allen, niece Krista (Dane) Ashbaugh and nephew Ken (Melanie) Allen. He was a beloved brother-in-law of Don Goostrey, Stephen (Arlene Baby) Goostrey, Susan (Tim) Greear and Lisa Goostrey. He was a loving uncle (and second dad), to many nieces and nephews from the extended Goostrey family.
John was born in Flint, MI, September 18, 1941. At age five his family moved to Wilmington, OH, where his parents opened Allen Photography Studio. John attended Wilmington High School; he led the marching band as Drum Major and played saxophone for a “Big Band”, which toured the surrounding area. Graduating high school in 1959, he then attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Optometry. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from University of Houston in 1965. In 1966, he began practicing Optometry in Hillsdale, MI. He moved to Ithaca, MI to practice with Dr. Norm Blizzard in 1968, later purchasing the practice.
Before settling in MI, he traveled around the country with classmate Palmer Cook, interviewing optometrists regarding best practices. Shortly after moving to Ithaca, John became friends with Don Goostrey and a part of the weekend wedding photography crew with Dick’s Studio. He was active in the Ithaca Jaycees, the MI Optometric Association and the Lansing Jug n’ Mug ski club.
John and Nancy married on October 13, 1973. They were members of the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, where John served as treasurer and clerk of session, hosted a unique “Sailboat Ministry” and served during monthly chicken dinners. John loved being a husband and father, experiencing many life adventures with his family. They enjoyed traveling around the US, skiing and sailing as many weekends as possible, attending MSU and OSU football games and camping in the “Big Brown Van”.
He was an excellent “girl dad”; being a staple in the dance carpool and french braiding the girls’ hair for class. He loved serving as “tech crew” for both Children’s Ballet Theater “Nutcracker Ballet”, and various Gratiot County Player productions, and also as the “sound man” for Academy of Performing Arts recitals. A congenial host for many friend and cousin overnights, he could be counted on for morning waffles and evening stovetop popcorn. He had a servant heart; he was patient, witty, smart (math whiz), unafraid to show his “dance moves” and cause a room full of giggles and fun for his girls and their friends. John loved Nascar and Indy cars, trains, the Kentucky Derby, “Big Bands”, Red Hot candies, licorice, ice cream and craft beer. Over the past 12 years, his grandchildren became the light of his life.
John would not want a few special people to go unmentioned… Thank you Pat Simmet, Peggy and Larry Arbanas, Charles Claibourne, Edie Beck, Diane Mikalski and Amy Sebring for being faithful and caring friends. Thank you also to the Warwick Living Center and Heartland Hospice staff for your amazing care and attention over the past two years.
Reader Comments (37)
I’m sending my sincerest condolences and prayers to you on the loss of your father. I am thankful to know that he was surrounded by his family while transitioning to Glory. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
Love and Blessings!
LaShanta Vaughn
Janie Ashmore Howland
Mike and I were so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was such a kind, wise and gentle man. We are keeping you in our thoughts, prayers and heart. I'll look forward to the day when we can meet again and hug each other. xoxoxo
I was so sorry to read of John's passing. He and I were neighbors and friends many moons ago in Ithaca. He was a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor and energy. John was a good person and will be greatly missed.