He was born Aug. 23, 1949, in Coshocton, Ohio, to Billy E. and Viola Bitikofer Glidden. Allen graduated from Dover High School, Dover, Ohio, in 1967; after graduation, Allen entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years of active duty. He served in Vietnam from 1969-1970, where he served in 10 operations including the 1968 Tet Offensive and Operation Rolling Thunder. He was also stationed at Paris Island, S.C., Camp Pendleton, Calif., Okinawa and Camp Lejeune. He was a member of First Alliance Church on Arnold Road, where he served on many boards and committees. He also served as the Alliance Men's president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance South Atlantic District for 11 years. Upon his return from Vietnam, Allen became engaged to Rhonda Kollar, and they married Aug. 19, 1970. They recently celebrated 42 wonderful years of marriage this past August. While residing in Ohio, Allen worked for Reeves Steel/Empire Detroit Cyclops Corp, Reese Trucking and Baker Hi-Way Express. In 1979, they moved to North Carolina where Allen worked for Spector Freight/Viking Division and later became general manager of Cargo Carriers/American Transport, where he worked until his illness forced him to quit. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Billy E. Glidden and grandparents Frank and Eva Glidden and Elmer and Mary Bitikofer.
Allen is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rhonda Kollar Glidden of the home; two wonderful sons, Frank and Tim Glidden, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; his mother of Lexington; brothers Byron Glidden and wife Debra of Eugene, Ore., and the Rev. Terry Glidden and wife Judy of Stilwell, Kan.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law Stan and Brenda Schupbach of Dover, Ohio, and Brad and Sue Kollar of Holiday, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and special friends/neighbors Steve and Carolyn Temple of Lexington.
Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Allen modeled the life of Christ and was an inspiration to many.
Memorials may be directed to First Alliance Church, Playground Fund, 1370 Arnold Road, Lexington, NC 27295.
Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net.
(from The Dispatch)
In my last few visits with my uncle Allen I was most impressed with his deep commitment to his faith and his family. In my mind, that is his legacy. I hope to have the same legacy.
I share in his faith, therefore, I believe in resurrection. I believe that when we lower Allen's perishable, weak, natural body into the ground today, it will be resurrected imperishable, in power, a spiritual body. I Corinthians 15 elaborates on the hope of resurrection. Hope is a powerful thing. Allen modeled that hope for many many people. I will miss him for now, but I hope to see him soon.
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