Maynard Bruce Allen

 Maynard Bruce Allen, age 88, of Elwell, died Wednesday, September 19, 2023, at Country Friends Assisted Living  near Sumner.  He was the youngest of six children born to Howard and Blanche (Yarnell) Allen.  

Maynard was born June 1, 1935 in North Star Township.  Early in life he farmed with his family, but through most of his life he worked as a heavy equipment operator.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1952.  He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Elizabeth Tynan in September 1957, enjoying 66 years of marriage.  Together they spent many summers in Sault Saint Marie and winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  

Maynard is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; their two children, Teresa Allen of Mt. Pleasant, and Brad (Karen) Allen of Illinois; four grandchildren, Breanne (Erik) Bliss, Courtney (Andy) Allen, Ian (Michelle) Byl, and Brandan (Dallas) Allen; Seven great grandchildren, Parker, Gabriella, Bryce, Brinley, Rowan, Gavin, and Jaxon.  He was cherished by his family and will be missed.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Allen; his brother-in-law, Rodney (Sue) Tynan; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings, Duane (Frances), Denzil (Rebecca) Cecil (Laura) Romaine, and his sister, Maxine.

A giant “ThankYou” to Country Friends and all the staff for the kind and loving care they gave Maynard.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Gratiot County Commission on Aging.  The Allen family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.