A loving father, husband and son, Bart Allen, 50, went home to be with his savior on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Memorial services were held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in Riggin-Pillatsch and Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Steve McKeown officiating.  Bart chose to be cremated. 

Memorial contributions were made to the Music Department of Herrin High School, 700 N. 10th St., Herrin, IL 62948.

Bart was born Oct. 7, 1960, in Flora to Glen and Judy (Harrell) Allen.

He married Christy Dunnigan on Dec. 10, 1983, in Herrin.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Allen of Colp; son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Megan Allen of Cookeville, Tenn.; parents, Glen and Judy Allen of Orchardville; brother and sister-in-law, Shawn and Jena Allen of Iuka; nephew, Jordan Allen of Bloomington, Ind.; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Dunnigan of Colp; and numerous special aunts, uncles and cousins.

Bart was preceded in death by his grandparents.

He received a master's degree in guidance counseling from SIU Carbondale. He was a special education teacher at Wayne City High School from 1982 to 1988. From 1988 until his death, Bart worked at Herrin High School. He was active in the Herrin School District, serving as the director of the Stars at Herrin Elementary and as the fishing coach at Herrin High School.

Bart enjoyed fishing, playing his guitar and working with all kinds of children.

He was a devout Christian man who avidly read the Bible.

To view this obituary and sign the guest register, visit www.rigginpillatschburkefh.com.