Robert Joseph Allen

Robert “Bob” Joseph Allen, 79, husband of Dawn Bridgeman Allen, passed away on December 9, 2025, in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He was born July 17, 1946, in Port Huron, Michigan. Bob made his home in Huntington, West Virginia, and Russell, Kentucky, before retiring from the Ashland Oil Treasury Department. Upon retirement, he and Dawn moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky, to be near their children and grandchildren. A graduate of Marshall University, Bob earned his MBA from Morehead State University. During his college years, he was a standout basketball player for Marshall from 1964-1968. His athletic talent led him to play professionally for the San Francisco Warriors in the NBA from 1968-1969. In recognition of his contributions, Bob was inducted into the Marshall University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He is survived by his wife Dawn; his son Robert “Rob” J. Allen II; his daughter, Julie (Mitch) Poole; and four grandchildren who affectionately called him “Grumps”; R.J. Adam Allen III, Matthew Allen, Stone (Olivia) Poole, and Drake Poole. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph E. and Rose G. Allen, his sister, Sandra K. Allen, and his brother, Donald C. Allen. In his retirement, Grumps spent much of his time supporting his grandchildren at their many sporting events. Bob was an avid storyteller and loved to tell stories – often as tall as he was -about basketball, hunting, cars, and his legendary quest for BOGOs and bargains. During the summers, Bob could be found at his house float at Herrington Lake Marina reading, floating, boating, and playing cards with friends and family. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve the Allen family. Please share memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or the Markey Cancer Center