Bill "Homie" Allen
PAVE LOW Aerial Gunner
William "Bill" Allen (age 58) of Baker passed away on Thursday February 27, 2020 at North Okaloosa Medical Center. He was born in St. Joe, Missouri on September 12, 1961 to Owen and Jackie Allen. Bill grew up in Missouri and graduated from West Platte High School. Bill served his country in the United States Air Force for 22 years and retired as a Master Sergeant.
While serving in the military he was known by his call sign “Homie”. Bill was in the 20th SOS Squadron Special Ops and was a machine gunner on the 53 Pave Low Helicopter, and served in 2 wars, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. After retiring he went to college and received his bachelor’s degree from Embry Riddle University. Bill continued his career as a government contractor. He loved his family, especially his grandkids!! Bill loved his pets, but most of all he was a people person and never met a stranger. Bill loved the Kansas City Chiefs and the Florida State Seminoles. He loved the outdoors, especially shooting and duck hunting. Bill was also an avid coin collector.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry Allen. Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 34 years Ulrike Allen of Baker; daughter Kim Pilkilton and David of Baker; brother David Allen and Glenys of Platte City, Missouri; sister Sue Gierke and Brent of Bentonville, AR and the apples of his eye his 2 grandchildren: Easton and Makayla; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many many friends. Bill's celebration of life was held on Thursday March 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home. Bill was buried on Friday March 6, 2020 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors.