Donald Parker Allen

Donald “Candyman” Parker Allen, 97 of Dawson Springs passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Redbanks Colonial Terrace Nursing with firm faith in Jesus Christ his Savior.  Born August 1927, to the late William Riley and Maude Mae (Parker) Allen, he was the youngest of 6 children. 

Since 1950, Donald was always active in the church he attended.  He has been an active member of The River in Nortonville for the past 25 years.  Always a people person, he enjoyed being a door greeter, usher, helping to supervise the yard mowing duties with the younger men and other odd jobs.  His passion in serving was singing unto the Lord.  He loved the old hymns that he grew up singing, as well as southern gospel.  Donald was always ready to sing and lead in song to church congregations, family members, senior citizen gatherings and nursing homes.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Donald was employed by Hawkins Distributing in Madisonville, driving a grocery truck.  He drove a truck distributing groceries and candy bars, which earned him the nickname of Candyman, to many local “mom & pop” stores of that day.  His “people” personality and a successful sales pitch he was able to support his family while working on a commission only basis.

Also, during the 1960’s, he was instrumental in forming the South Hopkins Water District.  Going door to door, on evenings and weekends, Donald would offer the families living in southern Hopkins County the opportunity to “sign-up” for county water for the price of $10 per hook-up.  He served as a Water Commissioner for 1965-1991, diligently working with engineers that were surveying and installing the water lines, as well as, the Commonwealth of KY’s grant processes.  He continued, to the present day, giving insight to the water district about the large network of placement, size and service of the initial water lines.

In the late 1970’s, by the grace of God, he got the opportunity for his “dream job”, a mechanic and a driver of the multi-ton coal hauling vehicles for Peabody Coal.  Candy Man was a retired UMWA District #23 coal miner.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years and the mother of his children, Maxine Matheny Allen; son, Stephen Shawn Allen; and five siblings. Clara Burris, Novella Watson, Nelson Allen, William “Son” Allen and Cornelia Hopper.

Survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Frances Miller Allen; two daughters, Debra Allen of Madisonville and Cindy (Mike) Todd of Dawson Springs; daughter-in-law, Judy Allen of Spring Hill, TN; two step-sons, Scott (Jenifer) Miller of Madisonville and Steve (Jill) Miller of Owensboro; grandchildren, Kim McGregor of TN, Shawn Allen of TN, Chris (Crystal) Hunt of Georgetown, Chad (Marisa) Hunt of Paducah, Tyler (Nicole Shor) Todd of Hardinsburg, Sarah Todd of Dawson Springs; step-grandchildren, Mallory (Preston) Lockwood of OH, Benjamin (Rachel) McCullough of TX, Saxon (Brian Oney) McCullough of Bowling Green, Alexa Miller of Campbellsville, David (Natalie Dant) Miller of IN, and Kaitlyn Miller of TN; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service will be held Friday at 1:00pm at Bandy Funeral Home in Nortonville with Pastor Howard Jones officiating the celebration of Donald's life.  Burial to follow at Ilsley Cemetery in Ilsley.  Visitation will begin at 11:00am at the funeral home.  Pallbearers are Chris Hunt, Chad Hunt, Tyler Todd, David Hopper, Perry Crick and Aron Crick.

The family request donations in Donald's honor be made to your choice of Gideon's International, Door of Hope in Madisonville, The River in Nortonville or the Ilsley Cemetery Fund.

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