David P. Allen

David P. Allen was born on February 23, 1956, to Vivian and Francis Allen. He attended Lincoln High School in Des Moines before his career began with the City of Des Moines in the Public Works Department. He was known to be seen all over town driving a street sweeper, asphalt roller, or a grader. Dave retired from the City of Des Moines after nearly 40 years of commitment. Dave was also committed to his wife of 42 years, Linda Allen (Sokolowski). David passed away on December 27, 2022, after a short illness of lung cancer.

Dave was known to be very financially aware, wait.....frugal, no...let's be honest, he was a cheapskate. Dave did not take vacations, let alone travel. He never hired a helping hand to fix vehicles or for home repairs. He was a man of many trades. Dave took great pride in the "thrill of the chase" to find a good deal.

Dave engaged in many hobbies during his life including riding Harleys, CB radios, ice fishing, tinkering with old vehicles, brewing beer, and sewing gun holsters. He had a long stretch of time collecting S-10 trucks with the personal challenge of putting as many miles on them as possible by fixing them over and over. His favorite saying was “I think I can fix that.” After Dave got a smartphone and discovered Google and YouTube, all other hobbies ceased to exist.

Although Dave was a cheapskate, he was abundantly generous with his time and his skills. He was known for always helping out, with special attention to his daughters. Dave would fix anyone’s vehicle and help do home repairs including remodels and additions. After helping anyone in need, he would refuse payment and he never expected to be reimbursed for his time.

Dave was loved by his family, friends, and co-workers. Dave is survived by his wife, Linda Allen (Sokolowski); his two daughters, Jennifer Mains (Andrew) and Julie Allen; and his grandchildren, Tristan Mains, Rillee Mains, and Braydan Mains; nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Francis Allen, and his sister, Marple Cano.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, also at the funeral home, and will be followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

David was known to wear a pocket t-shirt and a flannel shirt. He always made an effort to include everyone and that they were comfortable in his presence. To honor his character, the family requests that you wear a flannel shirt to honor David. Remember, he was frugal and would never want others to spend money on dress clothes on his behalf.

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