Anthony Lee Allen, 29, Springfield, passed away at 4:58 p.m. Sunday June 28, 2015. He was born on February 3, 1986 in Springfield, MO to Denise (Dee) Ann Miller and Lawrence (Larry) Anthony Allen. Anthony was good with his hands. Whether it be his art, tattooing, construction, or culinary, he took pride in his work. Anthony’s passions were music and art. Hobbies included hanging out with friends and family. Anthony’s smile was infectious, as anyone around him knew. He enjoyed laughing and most of all making others laugh which he was undoubtedly very good at. Anthony had many strengths. His family always came first with a mission to always protect. He had a heart so huge, full of giving and unconditional love that he became a rock in his family. Never afraid to show emotion, children gravitated to him. Never having a biological child, he loved all children like his own. Through the learned discipline of MMA fighting, Anthony was able to put up a long 3 year 2 month battle against cancer. The middle of his fight brought him to New Orleans, where he was given the honor of adopting a rescue pit on the season six premiere of Animal Planet’s Pit Bulls and Parolees. Anthony was blessed to be able to travel a family vacation in May to Florida. An opportunity supported by his family and friends. He was one of a kind, funny, smart, handsome, talented, loving, generous, and most of all he was loved. Anthony was a great son, brother, uncle, and friend. To know him is to love him.

Anthony was preceded in death by step-father, B. Keith Hunnicutt; paternal grandmother, Juanita Allen, and nephew Riley Merrifield.

He leaves behind father, Larry Allen; grandfather, Wilbur Allen; mother, Dee Miller; grandparents, Don and Jody Carter and Bill and Sherry Miller; sister, Stefanie Allen, her kids, Madison, Mackenzie, and Mason; sister, Amanda Allen, her kids, Cadence, Camden, Kevi, Kenlee, and Cruise; brother, Tyler Allen, his kids, Emma and Aubrey; brother, Coty Dempster; several uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Anthony, you are deeply loved and terribly missed, until we can be together again – “Live like no tomorrow, stop looking in the rear view..Life’s short, stop and appreciate the little things. I had to learn the hard way, like always!” Anthony Allen – May 10, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anthony’s funeral cost at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. Following Anthony’s wishes, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life for Anthony from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday July 5, 2015 in Ritter Springs Park, 3683 W. Farm Road 190 in Springfield. There will be a balloon release at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.