Otis Nicholas Allen

Otis Nicholas Allen was born on September 2, 1973, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Charles and Carlshella Allen of Vaden, Arkansas. Shortly after birth, he became fondly known as “Zap”. As a child, he enjoyed playing basketball with his brothers and cousins. Otis was a very competitive, intelligent, funny and determined individual who could accomplish any goal that he set for himself. In addition, Otis was an extrovert. He greatly enjoyed conversing with any and everyone who he came in contact with. 

Otis truly loved the Lord. Carshella ensured her five children began their walk with the Lord at home first. She would recite scripture and she taught them of God’s grace and mercy. She further ensured her children were raised in the church while knowing that God’s love is perfect and HE makes no mistakes. Baptized at an early age, Otis continued his walk with the Lord by attending the Church of God in Christ in Vaden, Arkansas which at the time was pastored by Elder Paul Williams. Later, Otis began attending the Church of God in Christ in Sparkman, Arkansas. During Sunday School, Otis was the most outspoken one of all the children. Sister Wilma Wright would often lovingly say, “Otis, give the other children a chance to answer the questions”. Also, Otis was outspoken outside of the church. He spoke for his sister, Adrienne throughout their entire childhood. It became her honor and privilege to speak for him when his health began to decline. Upon returning to Vaden, Arkansas Otis attended Church of the Living God Pillar of Ground and Truth. He enjoyed Deacon Clarence Pigg taking him to church so that he could continue learning about the Lord and fellowship with the congregation.   

In May 1992, Otis graduated from Gurdon High School in Gurdon, Arkansas. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy on July 1, 1992. He attended Basic Training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon successfully completing Basic Training, Otis attended Class A Training in Great Lakes, Illinois where he became a certified Engineman. Later Otis was stationed aboard the USS Fisher in San Diego, CA. While in the United States Navy, Otis received numerous awards.

Also while serving in the United States Navy, Otis met Angie Hosto. Together, they had three sons; Darien Allen (Columbia, Missouri), Zavien Allen (Columbia, Missouri) and Byron Allen (Fort Hood, Texas).  Later he met, Pamela Welshan. Together they welcomed three children; Parish Allen, Tariq Allen, and Olivia Allen all of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Otis was a proud father who loved his children more than anything in the world.

Upon completing his service in the United States Navy, Otis had several jobs but none more enjoyable than that of a truck driver. He enjoyed driving across the country while seeing the different sights and meeting people that he might not otherwise have had a chance to meet.

On March 12, 2019, at the young age of 45, Otis earned his angel wings. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Quinney and Orvelet Gannaway of Banks, Arkansas and R.C. and Armenter Allen of Vaden, Arkansas. 

Those who Otis leaves to cherish in his memories are his parents, Charles and Carlshella Allen, Jr. of Vaden, Arkansas; three brothers, Charles Allen of Arkadelphia, AR,  Gerry Allen (Lauren) of Palestine, Texas, and Brian Allen of Hot Springs, AR; one sister, Adrienne Allen of Jefferson City, Missouri; five sons, Byron Allen of Fort Hood, TX, Darien Allen and Zavien Allen, both of Columbia, Missouri, Parish Allen, and Tariq Allen , both of Hot Springs; one daughter,  Olivia Allen of Hot Springs; one grandchild; five nephews; four nieces and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who will all miss him tremendously.    

Funeral Services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Mitchell Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon-7:00 P.M. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Funeral services are Friday, March 22, 2019, at Davis Memorial Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Benny Johnson as Officiant and Superintendent LeRoy Williams, Pastor of Tate Temple Church of God in Christ- Arkadelphia, as Eulogist. Burial will be in Vaden Cemetery in Vaden, AR.

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