David Allen

David G. Allen, 72, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.  He attended Highland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he served as an Elder and Trustee.

David Allen was born in Hobbs to Bobbye and Fred Allen in 1947.  He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1965 and attended Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), where he was awarded undergraduate (1969) and graduate (1976) degrees in Music Education.  He married Beth Crist on July 4, 1974, in Hobbs and welcomed daughter, Stacy, in 1983.

David worked as a Band Director in southeastern New Mexico for 44 years, including 1 year in Clayton, a 31-year tenure in his hometown of Hobbs and 12 years in Lovington.  He was a local hero, serving as a mentor to thousands of music students, including many who followed him into the profession.  Highly regarded as a Music Educator, Mr. Allen served as Executive Secretary for the Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity and as President of the ENMU Alumni Band. David was inducted into the New Mexico Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2008.

Mr. Allen was actively involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Hobbs Community Band, and served as director of the New Mexico Junior College Band and as a Board Member for the Southwest Symphony Orchestra.  He was an integral member of the ENMU Alumni Band and worked diligently to have the Band Hall at Eastern named in honor of his college director, Mr. Floren Thompson Jr.  Mr. Allen served as President of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at ENMU and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.  His alma mater recognized David for exceptional service to the music education profession over a long and distinguished career. 2016 Winner of the Lea County Commission for the Arts Joe and Joyce Walker Award for Excellence in Music.

David was active in the Boy Scouts of America Conquistador Council. He was an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow.  He participated in Camps at Philmont Scout Ranch and Wehinahpay Mountain Camp.  He traveled to the National Jamboree/Valley Forge in 1964. He was an assistant troop leader in Lovington.

David was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, engaging storyteller (especially when the subject was “the one that got away” or the marches of John Philip Sousa), and a Billy the Kid expert.  He enjoyed discussing band repertoire and pedagogy with his peers and was always available to serve as a clinician and adjudicator.  Following his retirement in 2013, David and Beth spent much time traveling and adventure-seeking.  Favorite spot to visit being the Colorado Rockies. In addition to cruises to Alaska and down the Mississippi River, David and Beth ventured to Ireland with the ENMU Greyhound Sound on two occasions where David engaged in “fish talk” with an experienced angler in the city of Cork. He made a purchase and regarded the visit with the old codger more of a prize.

David was preceded in death by his father, Fred J. Allen and his daughter, Stacy.

David is survived by his wife, Beth, mother, Bobbye Allen of Lovington, sister, Sandra Boatright and her husband John of Lubbock.

Honorary pallbearers will be Hobbs and Lovington Municipal Schools Band Directors, Brothers of the Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and Members of the ENMU Alumni Band.

Memorials may be given to the ENMU Alumni Band Scholarship fund by contacting the ENMU Foundation at 888-291-5524.