Thomas James Allen
Tom Allen was born on December 28, 1940, the much loved and long-awaited first child of Ross Allen, Jr and Helen (Stadheim) Allen. He had a wonderful childhood in Helena where he and his sisters Lynne and Bonnie were raised. He loved his dad’s horses and spending time with his cousins and grandparents at the family cabins at Lincoln. He was a proud Helena High Bengal and was part of the (almost) state championship football team in 1958. An all-round athlete, he also excelled at baseball, track and basketball. It was at Helena High where he met the love of his life, Margot Roe, who he married in 1960. On a basketball scholarship, Tom attended Montana State University majoring in accounting. While in college, Tom and Margot had two children, Bill and Linda.
After graduation, Tom was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and served as a first lieutenant in the Army. They had one more child, Laura. After his discharge from the Army, he accepted a job as an accountant in Anchorage, Alaska, but it was a short stint as they missed their family in Helena. He returned home to help his dad manage the store, Allen Electric, which later evolved into Allens Super Store. He was a gifted salesman, who sold appliances, satellite dishes and, later, bales of hay with the same level of enthusiasm. He was a community-minded business leader who served on many boards including the Intermountain Children’s Home. He was active in the Cursillo movement and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Community and later St Cyril and Methodius Church.
In 1983 Tom and Margot moved to the valley where he could be close to his horses and began his second career in growing and selling hay. He added mules to his herd and so began his love of the long-eared sweethearts. He was active in the mule driving club and was the trailblazer on many pack trips leading many somewhat willing if wary riders into the back country.
His hope was to have a horse or mule for each of his grandkids to ride. Though his grandkids lived out of state, he kept in touch often calling them to place $1 bets on their favorite sports teams or professional golfers. He was a great golfer and had a library of books and DVDs devoted to improving his game.
Though he liked to travel, his favorite place was home. His mules would greet him with much commotion and kicking up their heels when they saw him returning to the farm. He was a fun-loving person who instilled in his family the importance of generosity and a strong work ethic. His passing has left a Tom Allen-sized hole in our hearts…which is pretty big.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by Bill Allen, Linda (Dan) Peters, Laura (Jim) Albus, Lynne Aronen, Bonnie (Dee) Pollock, Marcia (Bob) Barnes, Bob (Audrey) Peters, Tom Peters, Jake (Kaitlin) Albus, Becca (Ben) Dudek, Mary (Connor) Albus-Moore and Cathy (Roger) Allen. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
We wish to thank St. Peter’s Hospice and especially the staff of the Memory Unit at Touchmark, who were truly wonderful taking care of Tom through his final day which was October 16, 2025.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Anderson-Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena on Thursday, 10/23 at 6:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday 10/24 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena.
Memorials can be made to Intermountain, 3240 Dredge Drive, Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avene
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday October 24, 2025
Social Center of the Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avene
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday October 24, 2025
Social Center of the Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Henry and Kim Flatow says
Margot, Bill and Linda, Words cannot express my shock. I remember years spent with Tom at his cabin. Of the years we spent together as classmates. Basketball, football, baseball, always as friends. The great times we had when Tom lived on Eleventh Ave. Our friendship carried over to the many appliances that we purchased thru the store. Tom was also so jovial and happy to see his friends. Think of the celebration that’s happening in heaven with Tom, Clayton , Gary, Mike, Frank and Dave. He will be missed.
Terry Harris says
Margo, Bill and family I am sorry I will not be able to attend Tom’s service as I will be out of state. Tom was a good friend and so sorry for your loss. Just no that he is in a better place now. God bless you and we will miss him
chad t aronen says
So much love for all the Allen family. Tom was larger than life, and my times around him will always be cherished. Thank you for everything, Tom. I know we will meet again someday… until then I will hold tight to memories of times with you.
Jim and Sally says
We were very sorry to hear this but know he is in a much better place. Jim enjoyed many wonderful times with Tom and will always remember what a great guy he was. We Love you Tom. RIP.
Rick McAlmond says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tom was an outstanding person may he rest in peace
Rick and Barb McAlmond
John Perros says
John (Seve) Perros
Margo Bill Linda Laura and all the grand kids. Tom (BOOM BOOM) Allen was truly one of a kind. A business
neighbor downtown and an important part of our poker group and most of all GOLF BUDDY. I have such fond
memories of our numerous golf trips together (ESPECIALLY SAN DIEGO !). Our weekly Wednesday golf
match at GMCC with Marty Heller and Nelson Seeley(RIP) . Tom was a special friend and I will miss him.
Thanks for all the great memories and REST IN PEACE BIG GUY !
Marie Kall says
Margo and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My memories of Tom go way back. Gods blessings. Marie Kall
Randall J Hendrix says
Margot and Family,
Connie and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We remember you as I worked with Tom in the national Cpa firm in Anchorage in 1965. We spent time with you before you moved back to Montana. You lived out the back door of my parents house on 8th ave and were both so kind to my Dad. I remember Tom’s athletic skills in High School. My dad and Tom’s dad were friends.
I remember many hours shooting baskets with my friends in the alley at his home on 11th ave as kids. A great guy and wonderful friend. Randy and Connie Hendrix
Karolyne Redding says
Margo and family, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Hugs and prayers for all.
Marcia Barnes says
My “big” brother. I always felt he was a brother as he treated the annoying, tag -a -long little sister in a way that made me feel valued and important. He taught me to ride a horse, play softball, how to read and understand a baseball scorecard, as well as how to play Hi, Lo, Jick, Jack, game even though I could never beat him. He was kind to everyone and generous beyond measure. I will miss him terribly but know that he is at peace and riding mules right now and SMILING1. I love you Tom
Michelle and jim Mitchell says
We remember Tom with much love ❤️!! Jim told Tom if you ever want to sell your 40 acres south of your house, let me know. One day he told Jim he’d like to sell it to us. He was willing to carry the contract and told us they’d prayed about who to sell it to. We’d also been praying for “expanded territory”, so we bought it and now our son owns a majority of it. Also I helped Tom get his mules home one night after they’d escaped from their house. The Allen’s have been very special to us! Our prayers are with you Margot and family. 🙏♥️
Jackie lloyd says
Margo and Family,
So sorry to hear of Tom passing.
Jackie Lloyd
Curt Torman says
Curt and I are so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing! We are so glad that we hat a few years with him and the family. Singing happy birthday birthday to him as Marilyn, playing golf, playing flit with everyone at Thanksgiving and riding on the four wheeler after retrieving our car after a big night of partying at your farm, riding through the golf course to get the car and then going to Island liquor store to go to work. I Patti playing cribbage with him before he loss it.
Sending love and healing prayers to Margot, Bill, and the girls. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️💕
Patty Dahl says
Oh dear Margot, I am so sorry for your loss of the love of your life. Please know you are in my heart and in my prayers. May your beautiful memories help you through this difficult time. God bless you Margot❤️
Kathleen says
Hi Margot and family, i am sorry to hear about Tom’s death. My prayers are with you and the family. By r
Paul Martello says
Sorry to hear the loss of Tom. Tom was a great human being, kind and a friendly person. Always enjoy talking with him when we ran into one another. He will be greatly missed. RIP TOM🙏🙏🙏🙏
Kathleen Broussard says
Margot and family
We are so very sorry about Tom. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Mary Lou Garrett says
Margot & Family
Tom was a wonderful man, fun to w atch playing sports in high school to being the best salesman of appliances whenever I needed a new one. Great guy.
Brent Silcox says
Margot and Family
So sorry for your loss. We were saddened to hear of Toms passing. We became good friends when we were neighbors out on York Road. It was always fun spending time with Tom he was so easy going and fun to be around. Sorry we cannot attend the service. He will be missed.
Marc Parriman says
What a great sincere guy Tom was and I am very sorry for the loss. He was always a pleasure to be around.
WALLY PEEL says
Dear Margot,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It was truly an honor to have known Tom. May courage and comfort be with you and your Family during this difficult time. May loving memories of Tom help you find peace.
Karyl Williams says
Margot, I am very sorry to hear Tom has passed. I am still recovering from the loss of Vern. He passed in July. It has been pretty hard to move on. I will not be able to attend the memorial for Tom. I am thinking of you and your family.
Kristi Allen-Gailushas says
Dear Margo and Bill and family. I am so sorry to hear this. He has gone home and reminiscing with Grandpa Don and my dad and all family members who went before. He’s led such an amazing life and will always be remembered. My daughter was at the junk yard a couple weeks ago and found an old Ford 1951 yellow Allen Electric Truck. We bought it and brought it to my property. We are going to fix it up a little and build around it. It will be a monument to the Allen family and the businesses. Much Love.