Joseph Mance Allman
“Enjoy life to the fullest,” would be Mance Allman’s advice to those around him that are left to remember him. He took such joy in the little things and appreciated each day. Joseph Mance Allman was born Jan. 17, 1948 and passed away on May 2, 2020. Mance was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Harvey Allman and Effie and Jack Passon; his mother and father-in-law, Douglas and Kathryn Jenkins; his brother, Phillip Passon; and his daughter, Catherine Allman. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Jenkins Allman, his daughter Claire Smith (Chris), his brother David Passon (Ouida), his grandchildren Garrett, Grant and Avery, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and “adopted children.” Mance was born in Lucedale, MS, and moved to Ruston, LA, at a very young age. He grew up in Ruston, attending Ruston High School as well as Louisiana Tech University. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Jenkins Allman on March 7, 1970. They grew their home and their hearts as they built a family and life together with their beloved children. The four of them have a bond that will never be broken.
The Allmans have been members of Cook Baptist Church for the past 35-plus years, where Mance served in the media ministry for 25 years as well as the past several years as a greeter. He loved his church family and they loved him right back. If you saw Mance at church, or anywhere, he was quick to give you a warm welcome with a smile and a hug. If you stopped by their home, he would be happy to grill you the best hamburger around and sit with you on the porch till the sun went down.
He enjoyed a good joke and just loved being around people, taking true interest in their lives. In earlier days, you could also find Mance on a ball field. He loved playing sports and continued that love in watching sports and attending games, especially the LA Tech Bulldogs and his grandchildren’s games. Of all the things Mance found joy in, his grandchildren held the top spot. His eyes lit up when they walked into the room and he stood ready to attend any of their activities or sports. The family took many vacations together as well. Such great memories were made that will last a lifetime. What a great feeling to be loved by Pop.
Remember Mance with a full heart, because he surely left us all with a reason to smile. The Allman family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all of the love, prayers, and concern shown to them during this time and throughout these last few years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cook Baptist Church, 2000 Cooktown Road, Ruston, LA, with designation for children’s ministry or missions. Due to the present climate of caution, a Private Graveside service will be held under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. There will be a Memorial Service held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
