Bobby Joe Allen

Bobby Joe Allen, dearest husband, brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026. Known for his gentle, easy-going manner and his generous, loving spirit, he will be loved, missed, adored, and remembered always.

Bob was born on July 6th, 1938 to Thelma and James Allen in Joplin, Missouri. The first many years of his life the family lived and worked on a vegetable farm, before they eventually moved into the city. Starting at age 15, Bob worked at John’s Market and later at Vicker’s (Sperry) Plant while attending college at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his degree in business.

He met his beloved wife, Betty, in Fort Scott, Kansas where they both worked at The Western Insurance Company. They wed in Liberal, Missouri in 1962. Soon after they were married he transferred to Arizona, where they bought a home and raised a family.

Bob worked for many years at The Western Insurance Company before he began working for an independent insurance agency where he eventually became a partner. He had many clients who stayed with him for the duration of his nearly thirty five year career, no doubt due to the loyalty, honesty and integrity he provided throughout the years. He was very active in the Phoenix Rotary Club, serving as President and heading up many civic functions, charity events, and fundraisers.

He and Betty took the family on many trips back to Missouri every year to visit family. After the kids had grown they continued to make great memories with their siblings, taking trips to see them and vacation together. In 1986 they purchased a cabin in Forest Lakes, Arizona, which made for many wonderful memories over the years. Summer trips to the beach in Carlsbad, California were also a highlight with the grandkids.

Bob was unique for his ability to make people feel comfortable and loved. He was uncommonly kind, warm-hearted, caring, and easy to be around. His kids, grandkids and great-grandkids were his pride and joy. He loved them so dearly and always told them so, and how proud he was of them. His eyes lit up and he had the biggest smiles when he was around them or talking about them. He was a wonderful dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, instilling his love of family, nature, love of simple pleasures, and spirit of kindness in all of them. He inspired them to always be grateful for all of God’s blessings. He often spoke of his nieces and nephews and how proud he was of them and their families.

During his short little rally in a moment of complete clarity, in his last couple of days, he told us that love was his favorite word and that “It’s just love”. We know he was talking about the meaning of life. We’re so thankful he was able to share what was on his heart in his final days. What a blessing. Heaven got a really good one.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty, Children: Daughter Pam (Derek), Son, Mike (Rene’e), Grandchildren: Kyle (Emily), Kale (Alicia), Chelsea (Jackson), and Cassie (Manuel), Great Grandsons: Remy, Knox, Beckett, and Arlo, Great Granddaughter: Parker Lou, along with many dearly loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by Grandson, Randall, Mother, Thelma, Father James, Sisters, Shirley and Margaret, Brothers, Jim and Bill.

A family celebration of life will be held in his honor in late May in Gilbert, Arizona.

Donations in Bob’s name can be made to Hospice of the Valley.