Allen Dean Penick

Allen Dean Penick, 87, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Born in Oklahoma on November 16, 1937, the oldest son of Floyd and Lucy Penick.

Visitation will be held beginning at 10AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be held following visitation beginning at 11AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Nathan Cox officiating.

Allen spent his early years in Oklahoma before moving to East Texas in his late teens. While still a young man, he met Frances Martin and was instantly smitten. She was truly the love of his life. The two married on May 20, 1961, and built a life together that spanned more than 60 years—a bond filled with love, laughter, and steadfast devotion.  Allen and Frances loved to take road trips, sightseeing and visiting places and reminiscing. They were blessed with five children.

In the early years of their marriage, Allen served as a dedicated police officer, protecting and helping others with integrity and compassion. Later in life, he combined his love for aviation and his strong work ethic as the manager of the Center Municipal Airport, where he took great pride in his role and in the friendships he made there. Outside of his professional life, Allen was known for his remarkable skills as both a mechanic and electrician—there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t fix. He loved to tinker with cars and tractors, often breathing new life into old engines. His fascination with airplanes was lifelong, and he found joy in studying them, watching them soar, and sharing his passion with others. Allen possessed a wealth of knowledge about everything from history to meteorology and so much more. He was also an avid fan of classic westerns, drawn to their timeless tales of grit and honor. He was a real-life John Wayne to his grandkids! Countless childhood stories exist of him and his brother Jerry, fearlessly living out wild-west adventures as youngsters – from dynamite and a river that was rerouted to building hot rods that may or may not have been street legal- it was always something exciting with those Penick boys! Some of Allen’s happiest hours were spent in his work shed, first with his children and later with his grandchildren, teaching them about machinery, tools(all of which were marked “AP”), woodworking, and the value of doing a job right. In his quiet, steady way, he passed along important life lessons that will continue to guide and inspire his family for generations to come. Allen was a devoted member of Northside Church of Christ, where his faith and fellowship were a cornerstone of his life. At the center of his life was his deep love for God and his family. He lived out his faith daily, leading by example. Whether at home, at work, or among friends, his devotion to the Lord and those he cared about never wavered.

He is survived by his beloved wife,

Frances Penick

Children,

Beverly Trevino and husband Armando

Martin Penick and wife Jeanna

Catherine Prestigiovanni and husband Frank

Deana Moore and husband Scott

Brandon Penick and wife Susan

Grandchildren,

Laura Bell and husband Brit

Leslie VanDyke and husband Coye

Mallory Russell and husband Cody

Morgan Hill and husband Garrett

Avery Owen and husband Erik

Allegra Trevino

Alex Prestigiovanni

8 Great-Grandchildren with one on the way

Brother,

Jerry Penick and wife Shelia

Sister,

Alice Pate and husband Bob

Frances Shannon and husband Tannie

Host of nieces, nephews, and friends

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucy Penick; infant sister, Catherine; and his brother, James Penick.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to Mt. Herman Cemetery, 670 CR 1190, Center, Texas 75935.