LEWISTON — Raymond B. Allen, 79, passed away in the early morning of Jan. 23, at his home following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston, June 12, 1932, the 13th of 14 children of Joseph and Virginie (Bourque) Allen. He attended St. Mary’s School and Lewiston High School. He enlisted in the Navy serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955 on the Fred T. Berry 858 Destroyer in the Atlantic Arena.

He was a proud man and lived by his convictions. Ray served as past commander of Post 22 of the American Legion and served in many other capacities over the years. He married Louise Libby on June 27, 1953, at St. Joseph’s Church in Lewiston.

Upon leaving the military, he drove trucks for Nehi Beverage, Highland Spring Bottling, and L&A Fuel. He also managed several gas stations in the area. Ray was a landlord who enjoyed improving his properties and loved working the soil in his gardens. You could always find him puttering around his grounds.

He enjoyed Fox News, keeping up with politics, doing crossword puzzles, golfing with his buddies at Prospect Hill Golf Course and also reading.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Libby Allen of Lewiston; his daughter, Deborah Allen and husband, Eugene Holm, of Lewiston; two sons, Kenneth of Portland and John and his companion, Monique Lausier, of Canton; five grandchildren, Dustin Gagnon Sr. and his wife, Delaina, Jean-Paul Gagnon, Kayla Allen, Joseph McKinnon and Sarah Allen; four great-grandchildren, Sophia Allen and Alex Hutchins, Dustin Jr. and Quinn Gagnon; four sisters, Irene Lozier of Rutland, Vt., Theresa Allen of Auburn, Simonne Deschaine and Lorraine Perron, both of Lewiston; a brother-in-law, Avon Libby Jr. of Topsham; five stepgrandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by six sisters, Annette Gagne, Corinne DeForge, Lauretta Lombard, Gloria Lacasse, Doris Turgeon and Cecile St. Amand; and three brothers, Robert, Fernand and Ernest.

Condolences, donations and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.