John David Allen and his wife, Susan, were killed Aug. 29, 2005, in Biloxi, Miss., when Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi.

Mr. Allen spent eight years in the United States Air Force. After his discharge from the USAF, he worked in construction in Nashville, where he met his wife, Susan. They later moved to Biloxi, where they made their home. He continued to work in the construction business and Mrs. Allen worked at one of the schools and also at one of the casinos.

He loved writing, playing guitar, singing and listening to country music. She was an avid reader and spent her spare time at the library looking for a new book to read.

Mr. Allen was the cousin of the late Eugene Allen, Fred Allen and Marguerite DeGarmo of Piggott.

He is survived by his daughter, Kari Lynn Allen of Boulder, Colo.; parents, Eldo Ray Allen and Julia Allen of Harlingen, Texas; a brother, Mark Steven Allen (Sylvia); nephews, George Allen and Steven Ray Allen; a niece, Rachel Allen of Dickson, Tenn.; a half-sister, Suzy Cody of Wichita, Kans.; and a cousin, Wilma Allen of Piggott.

Graveside services were held at Combs Restlawn Memorial Park at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, with Father Tom Pincelli of St. Anthony's Catholic Church officiating.