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John Merlen Allensworth, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the age of 77. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday September 16th at First United Methodist Church with a reception to follow.
After several years of battling Parkinson’s Disease, John died peacefully with his beloved wife Lynn by his side. John was born in Roswell where he lived almost his entire life. John attended Roswell High School and went on to earn a Masters in Education at Eastern New Mexico University. From there he was known as “Mr A.” or “Coach” at Valley View Elementary and Sierra Middle School. Then proceeded to become an Assistant Principal and Principal at several middle schools. John’s gift for shaping the minds of Roswell’s youth extended for many years and he was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John was an avid outdoors man and loved to fish, golf, and hunt. Most of all he loved his family. John and his beloved wife Lynn were married for 56 years whom he adored with all his heart. His sons Todd and Scott Allensworth have blessed him with 4 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.
John was born in Roswell, New Mexico on March 9, 1944, to father Cliff Allensworth and mother Opal Edmonston. John was preceded in death by his three brothers Tom, Jerry, and Bob Allensworth and survived by his two sisters Ruth Dickenson and Nelda Doyle. He is survived by his wife Lynn Allensworth; children Todd Allensworth and Scott Allensworth; their wives Sandy Carter and Amy Allen; grandchildren Alexis Vroom, Maria Allensworth, Kassie Allensworth and Isabella Allensworth; and great-grandsons, Sebastian, Blaise and Zakai Vroom.
"Mr. A" & "Coach"
https://www.rdrnews.com/2021/09/13/john-merlen-allensworth/
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Martha Ann Green (Gibson)
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of our dear John's death. He will be missed so very much by all who knew him. I will be forever grateful to him and sweet Lynn for their constant vigilance at taking care of this class of 1962 website and helping to organize annual gatherings for the class. I truly regret now that I never took the time to go back to Roswell and attend at least one of the reunion gatherings. I just hope that someone else in the class will be led to pick up the reins and continue maintaining the website. My heartfelt condolences to John's wife Lynn for her terrible loss and pray that she will take comfort in all the memories of all the good times he helped to make possible for so many of their fellow classmates and others in their lives. May God truly give you peace and joy in knowing that John's work on earth is finally over and he can now rest with the Lord forever. May you feel his Love and presence around you daily.
Rex Booth
During high school at RHS, Johnny and I ran with a different crowd, but acknowledged each other passing in the hallways. It wasn't until I moved back to Roswell from the West Coast that Johnny and I became real friends. In the last seven years we became close friends, fishing buddies at Ruidoso's Grindstone & Alto Lakes, Lake Van, and the Pecos River at Presidents Park in Carlsbad. Johnny taught me many things about the finer rudiments of fishing.
Then all the lunches at Martine's, Popo's, Rib Crib on north Main. During our discussions I observed many virtues Johnny possessed. I met several of his former students whom he gave sage advise and wise wisdom. It was obvious Johnny had a postitive impact on their young lives. Johnny gave others respect and in turn... was reciprocal! I found Johnny to be a deep thinker, and a man of true integrity. We did have a lot of fun driving around Roswell looking at all the old houses we lived as kids! The only thing I taught Johnny was how to play the A, E, & D chords on a guitar. I believe I got the better part of the deal with his friendship! I will miss Johnny and mostly his dry humor! I wish to impart my sincere feelings and thoughts for you Lynn, including your sons Todd, Scott, and the rest of your fine family!
Sara Moore (Livingston)
Dear Lynn and Allensworth family,
So sorry for your loss. John was a great leader, coach and father. A legend in our class of 1962! I'm thankful for his constant work on the class webpage and will always remember the class reunions which you both planned so expertly! I'm shocked to hear of his passing as he always seemed so healthy and vibrant. He will always be remembered by all of us in class of 1962. Roswell won't be the same without him.
Be well and carry on!
Sara Livingston