Phyll Reed Allen Obituary (1948

Phyll Reed Allen, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and teacher passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 25 at his home in La Verkin, Utah. He was 77 years old. Phyll was born on April 6, 1948, to Lloyd and Leora Allen of Kanosh. Phyll was the second of 5 children and was raised with his siblings: Scott, June, Sam, and Myron. His childhood in Kanosh was spent working hard, helping his dad herd sheep on the mountain, spending time with his big extended family and being involved with the LDS church. Phyll went to Millard High School where he excelled at wrestling and football and was active in the Future Farmers of America. In 1971, Phyll graduated from Southern Utah State College with a degree in teaching. While going to college, Phyll worked for the forest service, constructing fences and buildings and fighting forest fires. Phyll married Bonnie Peterson, and they lived in Cedar City while Phyll attended college, and then made their home in Salt Lake where Phyll began his teaching career. They had 2 children together- Annette and Sherri. They later divorced. In 1982, Phyll moved to Henderson, NV and lived there for the next 4 decades. Phyll was an elementary school teacher, mostly teaching 5th grade, for over 40 years. Phyll taught the children of many of his former students. He joked that once he started teaching the grandchildren of former students it would be time to retire. Phyll was a favorite teacher who was known as being fun-loving and caring, and who set high standards for his students. He loved to organize playground games and sports, teach history, and take his students on field trips. Each year he read aloud his favorite young adult novel, “My Side of the Mountain”. Throughout his teaching career, Phyll also drove semi-trucks on evenings, weekends, and in the summers. He delivered different products all over the United States. Phyll was married to a fellow teacher, Donnette Robare, for many years and they enjoyed traveling, socializing and boating together. Phyll’s life was characterized by hard work, fun, adventure, and a deep love of the outdoors. He laughed easily and found the humor in adversity. He had a calm, kind, and charming personality that put everyone at ease. Phyll loved to work with his hands and be self-sufficient. He enjoyed all kinds of vehicles- motorcycles, sports cars, off-road jeeps, and boats. For many years his favorite activity was riding his Harley with his brothers and friends. He bought and restored classic cars. With the help of his brothers and friends, Phyll built a cabin in a remote area in Cedar Mountain and spent much of his summers there, enjoying both time with others and solitude in nature. Phyll was intrigued with US history and everything about the American west. He enjoyed John Wayne movies and read western novels. He took a great deal of pride in his pioneer heritage. After Phyll retired, he moved to La Verkin where he lived near his brother, Sam. The two made the most of their retirement- fishing, boating, camping, and doing projects on their houses and vehicles. Those of us who loved Phyll are shocked and heartbroken at his sudden passing. He will be forever in our hearts. Phyll is survived by his daughters, Annette and Sherri, his grandchildren, Ava, Nolan, Jack, and Cameron; and his siblings, Scott, June, and Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Leora Allen, and his brother, Myron. We are honoring Phyll’s wishes to be cremated and have a simple service. We will be meeting at “Twin Creek Picnic Area” at Fish Lake for a Celebration of Life picnic at 12pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, (435) 986-9100.