Benigene Allen, 85
Affectionately known as: Benny, Papa, Knuckle-head, Geni-bean & Daddy - of Portage, Indiana was born in Sumiton, Alabama on February 3, 1929 to Otis and Fronie Allen, both who welcomed their boy home as he completed his life on Earth on Monday, October 20, 2014.
Benny was a passionate visionary who thrived on imagining tools, products, ideas that would make life better, safer and simpler for the world. Inventor and patent holder: "Handy Lifter" which allowed sheet metal workers to lift metal with suction hand grips – saving countless hands & arms which resulted in winning a national Safety Award! "Individual Recoiling Fire Escape" for apartment buildings – and tested the prototypes by climbing up the Lake Station, IN water tower and lowering himself off the side of it – many times (wife & kids as "look-outs") "Snag-less fishing lures", the first "Collapsible Hand Truck", "Work Station & Storage Caddy", and an "Adjustable Bridge" for shooting pool, which resulted in perfecting countless trick shots that amazed and frustrated all those he subjected to with: "c'mon buddy - just one more game", while he videotaped each painful episode of him whipping them - badly. ?
After working at Budd Company for years, it closed, forcing him to begin a new career as owner of AAA Properties – rental properties. He wrote a book "How to Buy Properties with Little or No Money Down", as a way of sharing his knowledge of this process – and doing so with a 9th grade education! He incessantly needed to be reminded to "treat it like a business" as he forgave countless debts (rents & loans turned gifts) of those who needed such mercy extended to them, provided loving support to people who were in financial need, and, ultimately used his business as a mission field – praying for families as they struggled with financial, personal and medical issues – trusting the Heavenly Father to touch, restore and heal them. Healing and salvations happened. (How good is God!)
A mechanic, a veteran, a Sgt. in the motor pool, a jack-of-all-trades he served his family and community by using his skills, gifts and talents. He knew no stranger…each person met was an opportunity to laugh and love.
Benny (Papa) was extremely loving and proud of his surviving children; brilliant son Barry, his daughter Judy and his son-in-love Kevin, his precious grandbuddies "Davo"- David Allen and "Timbo" –Timothy Gehrels and his amazing great-grandbuddy "Xavo" – Xavier Allen.
He ("Daddy") is survived by his adoring, feisty wife of 61 years, Margie Lee Allen. Their marriage has shown the world what tough-as-nails-determination looks like when you make and keep a vow with each other. The love of his life, he was always so proud of telling the story of their first date: "This pretty girl dropped by my shop asking me to help her with her bike. She hinted she was going to the movie later. I went, sat down beside her and tried to put my arm around her. She told me to 'get that thing off of me" and I MARRIED HER!" (Each time told, followed by loud guffaws and tears.)
Benny is also survived by his precious, hilarious brother & sis-in-love OT and Sherry Allen, by his dear sister & brother-in-law Ethyl & John Mejia, multiple loving nieces, nephews and other precious friends, of whom he truly loved. (You all know who you are!).
To respect Benny's wishes, Benny's family asks that those who loved him- share a story! Laugh! Remember him as a "Servant of the Father" ! We encourage you to: "Honor those in your lives who remain with a visit, a hug - with love. Donations: give to someone in need. Flowers: tell someone they matter. And gifts: Thank the Father for all He has provided."

A celebration of life, for Benny will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368, with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. Burial will be held at McCool Cemetery in Portage. Visitation for Benny will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 4:00-8:00 pm also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. For more information call (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuenralhomes.com