Allen Davis Veach

Allen Davis Veach, retired President of Veach Oil Company, passed away Friday morning, July 11, 2003, at 11:10 AM at home with his family & caregiver Bill Burgandine at his side. Allen had fought a twenty-five year battle with Parkinson Disease. Allen, the youngest of two children, was born April 7, 1922 at Indian Point in Johnson County, IL. He was the son of Clifford and Gussie (Davis) Veach. Allen was descended from John Veatch, an early pioneer of Johnson County. His sister, Dolliemae Veach Harmer and his parents preceded Allen in death. It was Dolliemae who in trying to say “Brother” gave him the nickname of “Bubber” as he was known from childhood. Allen attended schools in Vienna, graduating with the Vienna High School class of 1940. He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy, Lexington, Missouri and, following World War II, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. Allen served as a paratrooper in both the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions during World War II. An account taken from the Vienna Times newspaper…”Through a mistake his outfit was dropped into a hot bed of German soldiers. Many of his buddies were killed while they floated down from the skies. He was wounded by mortar fire, fought his way out and was rescued by a British Tank unit.” Lt. Veach lost more than a third of his company before reaching the ground. Allen was shot twice in the same day and was awarded two Purple Hearts. Music was an important part of Allen’s life. From the young age of 10 years until just a short time ago, he performed in a variety of bands. From High School music contests and as a trumpet player who loved big-band music, he played in the Wentworth Marching Band, the University of Illinois Marching & Concert Band. The West Frankfort community Orchestra and the Shawnee College Community Big Dance Band of the 40’s. One of the greatest joys of his life has been teaching and encouraging his grandson Jacob in his outstanding musical gift, encouraging him in the techniques of fine trumpet playing. For many years, Allen operated Veach Truck Stop at West Vienna, one of the first Truck Stops in the area. Later, due to illness, he was forced to retire from the day-to-day business activities of the Truck Stop, as well as Veach Oil Co. Allen was a lifelong member of the Vienna First Christian Church. He was also a member of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Allen & Jessie Ruth (Jones) were united in marriage in 1948. To this union three children were born. They, along with their families, survive: Gregory, an attorney in Carbondale, IL, and his wife Juree; John, current President of Veach Oil Company, his wife Kim, and her two daughters Nicole & Marissa of Vienna, IL; and Ruth Ann Levinson, an instructor at S.I.U. in Carbondale, IL, and her husband Marc, of Cobden, IL; 4 Grandchildren – Aaron and Jamie Veach of Carbondale, IL and Jacob & Sarah Wolfson of Cobden, IL; 2 Nieces – Elaine McRory and Corliss Harmer; a Nephew – Tom Harmer; Cousins, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon, July 14, 2003, at 1:30 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Steve Lindsey and Brother Keith Bradley will officiate, Burial, with military graveside rites, will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 PM Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Massac Memorial Hospital, 28 Chick Drive, Metropolis, IL 62960 or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 138115, Chicago, IL 60613-8115.

Allen Davis Veach

April 7, 1922 - July 11, 2003