A funeral service for Allen Cariker, 73, of Marshall, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in the Chapel at Downs Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Gill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a visitation prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., also in the Chapel.

Allen was born on November 12, 1951, in Marshall, Texas, to Frank Gibson Cariker and Naomi Beatty Cariker. He passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, in Lufkin, Texas.

A lifelong resident of Marshall, Allen proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1974, earning an honorable discharge. After his service, he worked in the oilfield before transitioning to a career at Sabine Mining Company, where he eventually retired. He was also a devoted member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In retirement, he enjoyed countless hours golfing with friends at Oaklawn Golf Course.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Naomi Cariker, and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Dreyer.

He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Mendi Brent, and her husband, Roland; son, Justin Cariker; and his beloved significant other, Bonnie Timmins. He was the proud grandfather of Taylor Brent, Blayre Brent, Corbyn Brent, Case Cariker, and Crew Cariker, and great-grandfather of Westlynn Brent. Allen also leaves behind his sister, Cathy Cariker Dreyer, and Patrick Manin, as well as his nephews, Adam Dreyer and Austin Dreyer, and numerous other family members and dear friends.

Allen will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his loyalty to friends, and his zest for life. His legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Marshall Animals, Wounded Warriors, or Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in Allen's memory.