Edsel C. Allen
97432411 Seaman Second Class
United States Navy
1944-1945

      Edsel Cecil "Dudley" Allen was born 15 November 1923 in Wynne, Arkansas, one of twin sons born to Ross D, Sr. and Myrtle Hodges Allen. He came from a large family with brothers: Ross D, Jr.; Bill; Alvin; Edwin (his twin); Clyde; and Ira Lee; and two sisters: Edith and Mildred. During the summers and when needed, Edsel worked for the Rural Electrification Association, helping to bring electric power to rural communities.
    Edsel entered the Navy 5 September 1944 at the Navy Recruiting Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.  During his short service career, he served at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Farragut, Idaho before being transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Dublin, Georgia and then to Millington, Tennessee.  He received a medical discharge 20 July 1945.
    All seven sons of Mr. and Mrs. Allen served in the military. Three served during World War II and three served in the National Guard at the same time.
    Edsel returned to Wynne and finished high school, graduating with the Class of 1947.  He entered Arkansas State University at Conway, Arkansas in the fall of 1947 and earned a four year degree in education. He taught in the Wynne Public School System for five years.  He married Helen Wilkins and they are the parents of four sons: Edsel, Jr.; Bryan; Derrin and Michael.  Edsel taught school at Portageville, Missouri for approximately thirty years, retiring in 1998.  Edsel and Helen live in Portageville where he spends his time keeping up with children and grandchildren.

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