Obituaries

Fred M. Allen, beloved husband of Jo Ann Dent Allen, father to Chris (Claire), Cliffe and Paul (Karen), was born February 27, 1935 in Botland, Kentucky. Apart from his college years in Lexington at Transylvania University and the late years of his life in Northern Kentucky, where he passed peacefully on Christmas Eve 2025. Fred grew up, lived and worked his entire life in Bardstown.

Best known as an educator alongside Jo Ann at Bardstown High School, where he taught English and French, then became the school librarian and finally principal of the LEAD adult education program, Fred was also active in music all of his life - also often alongside his wife - as Director of Choir at Botland Christian Church, then of Choir and Handbells at First Christian Church Bardstown, as Director of numerous Stephen Foster Music Club productions including the ecumenical Hanging of the Greens, and in several capacities each summer at the Stephen Foster Story outdoor musical. In retirement, Fred was the movie reviewer for the Kentucky Standard (“Allen’s Alley”), a valued employee of Newcomb Oil and at Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bourbon Heritage Center.

A cum laude graduate of Transylvania (’57) in English, French and Choral Conducting, Fred was soloist and senior manager of the Choir, a leader in Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and was named ‘Mr. Pioneer,’ the highest popular honor on campus.

After service in the US Army in 1958-59, Fred married Jo Ann on June 17, 1960, and a partnership in creating and performing music - he often directing, she often accompanying - began which lasted through 65 years of marriage. Fred is survived by his wife and three sons - all of whom sang in choirs under their direction and accompaniment through many of those years - and grandchildren Meaghan, Morgan (Stephen), Evan (Laura), Tyler, Brady and Barret.

Fred was preceded in death by parents Dewey Allen and Edith Greer Allen, sisters Peggy Schooler, Elaine Stephens, and Nancy Jo O'Bryan and brothers C.E., Isaac Dewey, Herb and Jack Allen.