Pat Barnes Allen, a cherished member of the local community, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024. Born April 14, 1935, in Paducah, Kentucky, she was the beloved daughter of Paul and Ernestine Barnes and the proud older sister of Joe Barnes.
Pat grew up embracing the joys of her hometown, where she excelled in swimming, piano, and dance. She was an active member of Margaret Hank Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, and a 1953 graduate of Augusta Tilghman High School. Paducah always held a special place in her heart, and her deep connection to the community became a cornerstone of her life.
While working for the Social Security Administration in Louisville, Kentucky, Pat’s life changed when she met Carney G. Allen, a fellow Cumberland Presbyterian from Paducah. She fell in love with her “Mr. Wonderful” and married June 30, 1962. Together for 58 years, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.
After the birth of their daughter, Nancy Barnes Allen Smith (Jim), the Allens returned to Paducah to be closer to family. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their son, Gregory Tyler Allen (Jane). Pat and Carney were very active in Margaret Hank Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where each taught Sunday school for decades. The Allen family was at church every time the doors were open.
Attending school performances, cheering at athletic events, organizing Scout meetings, cooking meals, and carpooling daily, Pat was an involved and supportive mother. She so enjoyed being with young people and helping children that when her own children went off to college, she embarked on a new journey in motherhood, this time as a tireless advocate for foster children.
For the next 20 years, she was essentially a full-time volunteer for Childwatch Children’s Advocacy Center both serving on the board and later as president for two terms. She was a very dedicated CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and served as an advocate for 24 children around the community. For many years she served as the chairman of the McCracken County Foster Care Review Board and then on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Foster Care Review Board. Pat’s advocacy for children was rooted in her fierce determination and compassion, always speaking boldly for what she believed was right. In recognition of her service, she received numerous awards including the JC Penny Golden Rule Award (1993) and the Childwatch Volunteer of the Year (1995).
In her later years, Pat’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren: Gregory Gaines Allen, Joseph Clarke Allen, Tyler Hanner Allen, Elizabeth Jane Allen, and Savannah Smith Engle (Sam), as well as her great-grandson, Mark Jordan Engle, and many dear nieces and nephews. She cherished every moment with them, showering them with love, guidance, and her signature mischievous smile and twinkling eyes.
Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose enthusiasm for Paducah was unmatched. Named a Duchess of Paducah, she proudly recruited others to share in her love for her hometown. She often asked people, "Why would you ever live anywhere else? You need to move to Paducah!"
Pat Allen’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of compassion, determination, and service will continue to inspire those whom she touched.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah on December 21st at 12:00 p.m. with Revs. Chris Fleming and Bud Russell officiating, with burial to follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Paducah McCracken County Child Watch, 1118 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001.
