Christopher Lee Allen, 82, passed on Friday, March 17, 2023 at his home in Long Beach, CA. His wife Nancy, at his side.

Chris was born in Ionia, MI on December 13, 1940 as the middle child, to the late Ray and Donna (Dyke) Allen. He is survived by his wife Nancy (Clark) of 64 years, and his two sons Brent and Shane. He is also survived by his brother Peter (Marcia) and sister Stephanie (Zinn), nieces and nephews, grandchildren, Danica (Terry) Weaver, Kainen Christopher Allen, and Lindsey Allen. And to his joy, a great-granddaughter to arrive very soon.

Coach Allen graduated from Ionia High School in 1959 and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He garnered 12 varsity sports letters in Football, Basketball and Baseball.

He earned his degrees at Central Michigan University and returned to IHS in 1969 to become Head Football Coach.

His life was lived so fully as he and Nancy journeyed far and wide while he followed his profession. Beginning as Offensive Line Coach, Central Michigan University and a Division II National Championship in 1974; Defensive Coordinator, Ball State University with 2 #1 rated defenses in the nation. University of Arizona, Tucson, Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, appearing in multiple bowl games.

On from there, University of Southern California, Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, where he brought the team to a victory over U of M in one of 3 Rosebowl appearances. Coaching staff, Wake Forest University, North Carolina; Defensive Coordinator, European Football League, (Amsterdam Admirals) and completing his coaching journey with a championship with the LA Extreme in the XFL.

Coach was a most charismatic guy, smart, an intense competitor, a lover of Shakespeare, an Eagle Scout, an author and mentor to many. We will miss his wisdom and humor.

Our family would like to express their gratitude to the thousands of caregivers for their profound compassion and support in coping with the horrendous disease of Alzheimer's.

In lieu of any service, we have created this memorial page which we invite you to share memories of Coach Allen.

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