Allen, Jerrold Park

Jerrold Park Allen, Major General, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away in San Antonio, TX on December 13, 2023 at the age of 79. Jerry was born on February 29, 1944 in Palm Springs, CA and was the son of Clifford Stockwell Allen and Jean Park Allen.

He grew up in Brattleboro, VT before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, from which he graduated in 1966 with his B.A. in Engineering Management. He went on to pilot training and served as a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours throughout his 32 years of active duty in the United States Air Force. He flew 250 combat missions in the OV-10 and the B-52 in Vietnam, and also flew the FB-111, F-111D, C-130, and the B-1 bomber. Jerry obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, among many other military accolades.

Following his Air Force career, Jerry served 12 years as Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. He led the Corps through a significant period of enrollment growth and markedly shaped the Corps’ leadership program. Jerry served as President of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools in the United States in 2006 and 2007.

After his retirement from Virginia Tech in 2011, Jerry and his wife, Joan Grozier Allen, made their home at Blue Skies of Texas West in San Antonio, TX. Jerry kept busy as the National Commander of the Daedalians, an organization whose mission is to advocate for air and space power and to honor those who flew and fly in defense of our nation. Jerry was a devoted father and eventually “Grandpa Jerry”, a role in which he took immense joy and pride.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Charles Allen; and his wife Joan Grozier Allen. He is survived by his brothers Jeffrey Allen of Burlington, VT and David Allen of Charlotte, VT; his children, Craig Allen (Colleen) of San Antonio, TX and Crystal Skelton (Will) of Madison, MS; granddaughters Reagan, Parker, and Avery Allen; and grandsons William and Christopher Skelton. A memorial service will be held at Chapel One, Randolph Air Force Base, TX, on Friday, December 29 at 1:30 pm, with a reception to follow. Those wishing to attend the service who do not possess a military I.D. should contact Porter Loring Funeral Home at north@porterloring.com referencing Jerrold Allen memorial service, with name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.

Jerry’s final resting place will be at the USAFA Cemetery where he will be placed next to his wife, Joan. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to the Major General Jerrold P. Allen Fund for Leadership Excellence at Virginia Tech. Donations can be made at vtcc.vt.edu/giving.html and should include the fund name (VTCC Maj. General Jerrold P. Allen Fund for Leadership Excellence) and the fund number (860521).
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SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 – (210) 495-8221