The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF FREDERICK WALTON ALLEN
______
HON. DARIN LaHOOD
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Frederick Walton Allen of Peoria, Illinois, who passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 97.
Fred Allen, born on June 10, 1923, in Ripon, Wisconsin, had a long and distinguished career as a plaintiff's attorney. A self-made businessman, Fred built his law firm in Peoria around respect and integrity, virtues admired by both his clients and community. These priorities helped him become the first downstate Illinois lawyer to win a $1 million award for a client and become a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an elite national group limited to plaintiff's attorneys who had won seven-figure awards.
Fred lived a full life and his accomplishments were not limited to his legal career. As a young man, his studies were halted early due to the start of WWII. Mr. Allen enlisted on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and became a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After his military service, he signed a contract as a pitcher with a minor league affiliate for the Cleveland Indians. In 1949 when Fred graduated from Law School at Northwestern University, he immediately took the ``rocket train'' to Peoria where he applied for his first job at a firm. He continually served others through countless years of membership at the Elks Club, the American Legion, the Country Club of Peoria, and the First United Methodist Church of Peoria. He loved central Illinois and made many quiet contributions to better the lives of those in his community.
Fred will also be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderful family. He was preceded in death by his wife Tilley, who said Fred's love and devotion to her throughout their 66 years of marriage were beyond measure. He was blessed with three daughters, Diane, Rita, and Laura, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Fred's fondest memories in life were ones spent with his family and his love and pride for them were boundless.
I want to offer my condolences to the Allen family and the people of Peoria on the loss of a great man. Fred left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 46
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