Obituary of Donald Wayne Allard

Donald W. Allard, 73, of Fairmont, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on Monday, January 15. He is preceded in death by his mother, Glenna Jean (Chadwell) Allard, his father, James C. Allard, and his sister Vicky (Allard) Huff. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cindy, his daughters and sons-in-law, Heather and Matt Sprenger of Fairmont and Heidi and Chris Ude of Bridgeport, and his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Natalie Allard. He also had a sister, Becky, whose status is unknown. He was the very proud “Papa” of seven grandchildren: Glenna Rose (Sprenger) Godfrey and husband Jeff Godfrey, Isaac Sprenger, Gretchen Ude, Emma Ude, Evelyn Sprenger, Nathan Sprenger, and Brock Ude. He delighted in his family, and they were blessed to know they were always covered by his love, support, generosity, and prayers. He loved the Lord and found peace and strength through his faith in Jesus. He truly enjoyed people, greeting old friends and welcoming new ones, and his friendly face will be missed by many. Don retired from a career as a human resource director in the local coal mine industry, after working as a physical education teacher in Marion County. He was an accomplished athlete at Fairmont Senior High School and Fairmont State University. He was active in his home church, Trinity Assembly of God, where he served as a youth Sunday School teacher, a deacon and trustee, and leader of the “Care Ministry” with Cindy for many years. He also followed a family legacy through involvement in the No. 9 Masonic Lodge as a Past Master. Don loved going on fishing trips to Maine, cheering for the Steelers and Mountaineers, taking trips to “Amish Country” with friends, making his grandkids laugh with silly jokes, and playing daily games of “Five Crowns” at home with Cindy. In addition to the people touched by his life, he will be missed by his beloved golden doodle, Rosie. The family will be remembering Don and celebrating his life privately at home. Those who would like to express their condolences or memories of Don may do so by posting on Facebook (which he loved to read) or by reaching out to the family personally. Cindy and her family are so thankful for the love and prayers of their family and friends during this time. The family has entrusted arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.