August 5, 1938 – May 28, 2022
Robert Ladd Allen, Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California on August 5, 1938 to Robert and Norma (Kothe) Allen. He was the second of two children. Growing up in Newport Beach California, he excelled in athletics, enjoying football, baseball, basketball and golf. Bob received a football scholarship to Montana State University, where he met his wife, Patsie, while she worked in the office of the athletic director. While being the center on the MSU Bobcat offensive line, Bob earned his mechanical engineering degree. Upon his graduation, Bob took a job with Boeing Aerospace, moving his wife and girls all around the country until he ended up at Johnson Space Center and raised his family in Friendswood, Texas. Bob furthered his education where he received an MBA from the University of Houston. After his time in the space program, Bob ultimately finished his career at KBR, as a Senior Project Engineer. He was noted for his turnaround skills, as he was frequently asked to rescue troubled chemical plant projects around the world that were running behind schedule and over budget.
Bob was the person whose assistance you wanted when in a crisis, wise in thought and quick in action. He was the first to lend a hand to fix any situation. Bob’s passionate, protective, and loyal heart was evident to all the people he loved; traits seen as he faithfully cared for Patsie almost daily the four years she suffered a debilitating illness. He loved his girls and attended all their activities with camera in hand, always the proud father. He enthusiastically enjoyed being Papads to his grandchildren.
After saying goodbye to his beautiful wife, a new love entered his life. Bob met Bobbie Putnam at Golfcrest Country Club. In retirement, they played golf and traveled the world together, gathering friends wherever they went, adding to their many friends at Golfcrest. Bob was lovingly welcomed into Bobbie’s family and became GrandBob to her grandchildren.
Bob passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2022, after 83 years in this world. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Patricia Ann Allen, his sister Judy Steeman and treasured sister-in-law Barbara Foster. Bob is survived by his two daughters, Tana Jefferson (Dale), Patrice Hoeller (Mike), and four grandchildren, Megan Jefferson Vazquez (Alex), Brian Jefferson, James Ener and Hunter Pugh, along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. For the last 13 years, Bob shared his life with Bobbie Putnam and is survived by Bobbie, her children Brenda Deem (Larry), Jerry Putnam (Shawn) and Jeffrey Putnam (Julie), and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Bob’s favorite charity, the Patricia Ann Allen Scholarship at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.
Condolences may be sent to the Allen family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
5 thoughts on “Robert Ladd Allen, Jr.”
Donna and I came to love Bob, like so many at Golfcrest Country Club. We had the joy of making a trip with him, Bobbie and the McCain's to the Oregon wine country that we still talk about, and cherish, today. The picture we have of us in the "Spruce Goose" with Bob playing Howard Hughes will be even more special now. He will be missed by so many people. — Les and Donna Haulbrook
It’s difficult to grasp that Bob will not be around with his infectious smile or sharing his positive outlook on life. We could all take a lesson from Bob and how to live life to the fullest and love a great woman. To Bobbie and the entire family, please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers and Bob will surely be missed.
It is so very hard to think that Bob has gone. He was such a great companion to Bobbie, and always ready with a smile and a hug. He will be greatly missed by all the golfing group at Golfcrest CC. Our prayers are with his family and with Bobbie and her family.
We have known so few people in our lives that are as happy as Bob. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. We have known Bob and Bobbie four years, but about six months ago started meeting up with them a few times a month for dinner. Those dinners lasted hours and were so memorable. We had made so many plans. They were to join us for a few days at the beach and golf in Galveston just before Bob became ill. Bob was such a good friend to many including my husband (Bill). Bob had a very a similar personality to Bill’s own father that he had lost in 1993. The two were a comedy team. So many great times and memories. Friends and neighbors at Greentee will miss his smile and laugh. Prayers to Bobbie and all that love Bob. Love you Bobbie Jennifer and Bill Scott
I will miss Bob so much. He and Bobbie were such a loving couple. They always brought a smile to my face when I saw them out at dinner. My prayers are with Bob and Bobbie’s families. !!!
Beverly Wallace