Beckham County, OK - Obits: L. B. Allison, 2008
Friday, 03 October 2008
Submitted by: bettyhol@flash.net (Betty)

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Published in the Monahans News, Monahans, Texas, Monday, April 14, 2008

L.B. Allison, 86, of Wickett, Texas passed away at the Hospice House in 
Odessa, Texas at 2:22 am on April 12th, 2008. L.B. Allison was born in 
Sayre, Oklahoma on February 28, 1922. He was the only son of Lodi Allison 
and "Boss" Hicks Allison.

L.B. Allison was married to Jewel (Jo) Carmen Ellefson on August 16, 1944, 
in Tillamook, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Allison had three children: Christine 
Lee Allison Ward of Monahans; Donna Louise Allison Adkins Farney (deceased), 
and Jo Alice Allison Pence of Granbury. They have seven grandchildren; 
Allen Lee Adkins of Lubbock; Dawn Louise Adkins Mays of League City; Tonya 
Jo Fausett of Austin; Stephen Knight Ward of Granbury, Jason Patrick Pence 
of Haslet; Travis Duke Pence of Granbury; and Mark Allison Ward of 
Fredericksburg. The have nine great-grandchildren: Ashley Deanne Adkins 
Alexander; Austin Lee Adkins; James Luke Adkins; Kaleb Kristofer Jones; 
Jayden Allison Mays; Austin Pence; Grayson Cole Clark; Cameron Knight Ward; 
Aubry Shane Ward. They have one great-great-granchild: Noah Sutton 
Alexander.

L.B. enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1941 and reported for service in 
San Diego in Jan. 1942. He served in the Aleutians and the South Pacific 
during WWII. He served aboard several ships two of which were the USS 
Astoria and the USS Quincy. Both of these ships were destroyed by the 
Japanese in August of 1942 at the battle for Salvo Island. On August 9th, 
1942, L.B. was aboard the Astoria when it was attacked by the Japanese. The 
Astoria was struck at least 65 times but did not sink for several hours. On 
fire, ammunitions on board also exploded causing additional damage to the 
ship. In one explosion, L.B. was blown several hundred yards from the ship 
and actually landed in a raft holding 2 other men. Both men already in the 
raft were knocked from the raft when he landed but, all 3 were later rescued 
by the Navy.

L.B. was also an eyewitness to the Jaanese attack on Dutch Harbor.

L.B. was also a boxer in the Navy and fought appoximately 100 fights during 
his time in the Navy. He was a very talented athlete and was widely 
recognized for his abilites at a running back before and after his service 
during WWII. [He graduated from Sayre High] While in the Navy, L.B. was a 
1st Class Yeoman and was then promoted to Chief Yeoman. He was honorably 
discharged in 1945. He was recalled during the Korean War and was again 
honorably discharged in 1951.

In 1950, Gulf Oil transferred L.B. and his family from Borger to Wickett. 
L.B. retired from Gulf Oil in 1981 after working there 33 years as an 
accountant. L.B. lived in Wickett until he passed away on April 12, 2008.

L.B. Allison was a hero to his family and those who really knew him. He was 
unique and independent. He symbolized what is good about his generation. 
He survived the depression, served his country, took care of his family and 
lived a very honest and productive life. His family was very blessed to 
have him and thank God for allowing us to have him.

If you knew L.B. Allison and know anything unique abut him, please call 
Allen Adkins at 806-535-7855.

Services are scheduled for 2 pm on Tuesday, April 15th 2008 at the St. Paul 
Lutheran Church in Monahans. Interment will follow at the Monahans Memorial 
Cemetery. The grandson Allen Adkins, Stephen Ward, Wark Ward, Jason Pence, 
Travis Pence and greatgrandon Austin Adkins will serve as pallbearers.

Services are entrusted to Harkey Family Funeral Services.

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