M. Allen Lincoln

When reflecting on the life of M. Allen Lincoln, it is clear to see that there was nothing more important along his lifes journey than his faith. He was a servant of the Lord he loved as his life exemplified what it means to give to others in ways both great and small. It was no secret that Allen was blessed to find the love of his life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include countless branches of loved ones who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man who showered those around him with unconditional love and respect. Although Allen will be deeply missed, his timeless legacy will be carried on by the generations who follow in his footsteps. During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII continued to escalate. Although the United States was uninvolved in the beginning, the hostilities of war landed on our doorstep with the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. War was declared the following day, and countless young servicemen and women were sent overseas to join in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we still enjoy today. It was just prior to this dark day in American history that a young couple from Pomona, California, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on January 18, 1941. Marvin Allen was the first of five children born to his parents, Marvin & Elizabeth (Williamson) Lincoln, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Tim, Ken, Ann, and Patty. His father worked as a dairy farmer and mechanic while his mother was a housewife. Since his father also had the same name, Marvin always went by his middle name of Allen. Allen was also the great grandson of W.K. Kellogg, the founder of Kellogg Co. and John Harvey Kellogg was his great uncle. In many ways Allen experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of his generation. His earliest years were spent living on the family farm in Eugene, Oregon, where he loved riding his horse and helping with farm duties. Allen also enjoyed swimming in the pond and visiting his grandmother. As a student he attended the local SDA Church School where he applied himself to his studies and was a good student. Outgoing and fun-loving, Allen made numerous friends. As a family they often went camping, and of course going to church every Saturday on the Sabbath was vitally important. After graduating from Columbia Academy in June of 1959, Allen went on to Walla Walla College, graduating in 1963 where he majored in history and Spanish before later graduating from the University of New Mexico with his masters in history. Finally, Allen graduated from Andrews University with his Masters of Divinity in 1976. Not to be forgotten during his years in Oregon was Allens introduction to the young girl of his dreams. Her name was L. Moonyeen Rowe, and they were smitten right from the start. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Allen and Moonyeen became husband and wife on August 20, 1961, deeply in love. Together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Cyndie in 1963 and Cheryl in 1966, into their hearts and home. Allen and Moonyeen moved quite often while raising their children as they lived all over Washington, spent time living in both New Mexico and Missouri, and finally settled in Michigan. As a father Allen was funny and laid back for the most part, but he could also be firm when needed. Allen began his career as a teacher of history and Spanish at Sunnydale Academy High School. He then became a pastor at Seventh Day Adventist churches in Southfield, South Haven, Grand Haven, Wright Seventh Day Adventist Church in Coopersville, and also in Bangor. Of course Allen loved spending time with family whenever he could. Together the Lincoln family frequently traveled to places like Oregon, New Mexico, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. They also went camping and backpacking and made trips to Disney. Christmas usually found them at home, and of course attending church on the Sabbath was a way of life. Sometimes Allens girls even sang and played the piano for special music there. Friday evenings were usually filled with stories after baths while Saturday was movie night with popcorn and orange juice, often with friends. Reading the Bible and various mission stories and back rubs were also regular occurrences in Allens home. Together he and his wife ran an adult foster care home, and they loved traveling to Hawaii, New Mexico, and throughout the Northwest. Later in life Allen was thrilled to become a grandfather. He treasured being with his grandchildren and teaching them all about the Sabbath, taking them on walks, and going shopping or out to eat together. Allen and his grandchildren also had traditions like making applesauce and chocolate chip cookies as well as watching old movies together. In his free time Allen enjoyed golfing, reading, camping, traveling, music, cars, and collecting books. All who knew M. Allen Lincoln would agree that he was such a special man to know and love. He was vibrant, fun-loving, and outgoing with a contagious zest for life. Allen was a stranger to none and a friend to all with an insatiable desire to serve those around him. Deeply loved, Allen will never be forgotten. M. Allen Lincoln died on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Allens family includes his wife, L. Moonyeen, daughters, Cyndie (Brad) Lake, Cheryl (Jon) Clayburn; brothers, Tim (Dixie) Lincoln, Ken (Janice) Lincoln; sisters, Ann (Stewart) King, Patricia Lincoln, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces nephews, cousins & friends. He was preceded in death by his father. SERVICESaturday, December 6, 2014, 4:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service at Wright Seventh Day Adventist Church in Coopersville and Pastor Jarod Thomas officiating. Memorials can be made to Wright SDA Church or Adra www.adra.org. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.