Robert James "Bob" Allen, son of Walter (1871-1941) and Grace (Laylin) (1874-1956) Allen, was born 29 November 1894, Ingham County, Michigan.  Bob graduated in 1911 from Okemos High School. 

Bob registered for the World War I Draft 5 June 1917, Ingham County.  He listed his occupation as farmer and was described as single, tall, slender with blue eyes and dark hair.  Bob was drafted into the war May 1918.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 21 May 1918

54 MEN TO LEAVE MASON FOR CUSTER

Sixty-six Are Called; Contingent To Leave City May 27

Mason, May 21 - Fifty-four men will leave Mason on May 27, for Camp Custer.  Sixty-six have been called in for that morning, when arrangement for necessary substitutes will be made.  Their names follow:

Robert J. Allen, Mason

Bob married Edith M. Smith 1 November 1919, Haslett, Ingham County. The couple raised 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. Edith, born 12 December 1896, died 4 April 1966, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.  Bob died 4 September 1967, Ingham County.  Bob and Edith were interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 5 September 1967

ROBERT J. ALLEN

Williamston - Robert J. Allen, 72, of 595 N. Zimmer Road, a life-long area resident, died Monday afternoon in an East Lansing nursing home.  He was a veteran of World War I and a retired farmer.

Surviving are three sons, Donald L., and James r., both of Williamston, and the Rev. Max L., Pittsford; three daughters, Mrs. Barbara M. Dickout of Haslett, Mrs. Dorothy J. Perkins, Williamston, and Mrs. Alice Burkhardt, Jefferson City, Mo.; a brother, Gerald N., Mr. Clemens; three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Dahlberg of East Lansing, Mrs. Mildred Morris, New Baltimore, and Mrs. Eva Bagley, Cadillac; 19 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Gorsline Funeral Home, Williamston.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.