Dr. Wayne Ward Allen

Wayne Ward Allen, 70, passed away on June 12, 2026, and entered into the loving arms of his Savior.

Wayne was born in Greenville, Mississippi, to Dr. Thomas LeClair "Clair" Allen and Martha Ward Allen. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work and compassion while helping his father at the family veterinary practice, Allen & Griffin Animal Hospital, where his lifelong love of animals first took root.

He met the love of his life, Peggy, while they were students at Washington School. High school sweethearts, they built a beautiful life together that spanned nearly 49 years of marriage. Their love was steady, joyful, and unwavering—a partnership that became the foundation of a close-knit family.

Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Dairy Manufacturing from Mississippi State University before completing his Ph.D. in Dairy and Food Science from Louisiana State University. His education launched a remarkable career in the dairy and food industry.

He began his professional journey with Southland Corporation in Dallas, Texas, which later became Morningstar Foods and Suiza under the Dean Foods umbrella. Through decades of dedicated leadership, Wayne held numerous executive positions, including Director of Quality & R&D, Director of Manufacturing Services, Executive Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & R&D, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Morningstar Region, and Director of Ice Cream Operations. Even after an accomplished corporate career, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to help build and scale Dominion Nutrition and Absolute Aeration, while also providing consulting services to the industry he loved.

While Wayne was proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was never found in titles or achievements—it was found in his family.

He was a genuinely kind man who made everyone around him feel welcomed and cared for. He never sought the spotlight, preferring instead the simple moments that mattered most: gathering around the dinner table, laughing with his children and grandchildren, lending a helping hand on a project, or simply enjoying time together.

Wayne loved traveling the country with Peggy in their beloved RV, affectionately named Grey Goose. Together they explored countless campgrounds, attended rallies, built lasting friendships, and faithfully kept their children updated on every adventure and sunrise. Home, however, was always his favorite destination. Whether working on the RV, tackling a new project, enjoying weekly family dinners, or ending the evening watching America's Funniest Home Videos, Wayne found happiness in being surrounded by those he loved most.

He also had a special place in his heart for animals throughout his life, especially his loyal four-legged companion, Brother.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas LeClair Allen and Martha Ward Allen.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48½ years, Peggy Allen; his son Craig Allen and wife Katherine of Highland Village, Texas; his son Cody Allen and wife Hannah of Stephenville, Texas; his daughter Ashlyn Allen; five cherished grandchildren; his sisters, Cheryl Polk and husband Wayne, and Janis Barnes and husband Joel; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and his faithful dog, "Little Brother".

Wayne's legacy will be measured by the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a trusted friend, and a man whose gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness made the world a better place. His family will forever cherish the example he set and the countless memories they were blessed to share.