Robert Michael Allender, Ii

Robert Michael Allender II, age 69, of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, with his beloved children Rob and Felicia at his bedside. Born in Arlington, Virginia, he lived in Stockholm and West Milford, NJ, until age 14. At that time, he moved to West Virginia to attend Linsly Military Institute, from which he graduated. Then he went to West Virginia University where he earned his BA and MA in History. During this time, he met and married the Love of his life, Jeannie.

After graduation, they moved to KI Sawyer AFB in northern Michigan where he served Active Duty for four years and they welcomed Robert III into their family. He often reminisced about those snowy winters! Robert earned his second MA in Public Administration there at Northern Michigan University.

After he completed his Active-Duty term, they moved back to Charleston, WV, where they completed their family with the birth of Felicia. Robert joined the Air Guard and completed nine additional years of military service while also working for the state Tax Department. Following a 30-year career with the Tax Department, Robert retired to Huntington, WV.

While living and working in Charleston, Robert enjoyed competing in many races in and around the Charleston area. Robert inherited his mother's outstanding vocal ability, and he loved singing hymns in church. Robert was also a huge college football fan who enjoyed attending many games at WVU and Marshall University.

He also earned his third Master's Degree in Computer Programming from Marshall University. He often said that was a bit of a challenge having no undergraduate background in that discipline but as usual, he excelled.

He loved dogs and most especially, his childhood Corgi, Mickey and his last Boston Terrier, Rowdy.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved mother Mary Anne (2019) and his father (1989). He is survived by his cherished children Rob (Kristin) and Felicia; by his adored grandchildren, Robbie and Allie. He also leaves Susan, his sister; Jeannie, his former wife; and DeSalle Jenkins, his step grandson, to cherish his memory.

Robert's viewing and service will be from 3-6 pm on Thursday, August 1st, at the Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston.

He will have a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM on August 2, 2024 at the Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

Military honors and committal will immediately follow at Lawnwood Cemetery in Morgantown.

In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations in his memory to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or the Wounded Warrior Project.