John Mehler Allen

John Mehler Allen was born August 27, 1959, in Greenville, Mississippi. He passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 67. He was the oldest of four children born to his parents, Robert and Joan Allen.

John was a 1983 graduate of Louisiana State University and worked as a mechanical engineer at Dow Chemical for 39 years. In 1985, he married Cherie Kinler, with whom he celebrated 41 years of marriage.

John’s heart was his family and ministry. He laid up treasures in heaven by serving in the bus ministry, prison ministry, children’s church, Sunday school, SMITE Camp, Bible clubs, and many other ministries. His wife and children ministered alongside him over the years.

After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020, John never stopped serving. For six years, he continued to serve the Lord as he always had. In 2026, when the cancer began to take away his abilities, one of the hardest things he had to do was step down from the ministries he loved. Even when he lost his ability to walk, he still rode the bus each Sunday to pick up boys and girls for church.

John was a loving father and felt so blessed to have nine children. They were the joy of his life, and he considered them the greatest blessing God gave him. He also had the joy of officiating the weddings of six of his children.

John is survived by his wife, Cherie Kinler Allen; five sons: Nathan (Elizabeth) Allen of Mobile, AL; Stephen (Channelle) Allen of Lebanon, MO; Jason (Alix) Allen of Walker, LA; Josiah (Madison) Allen of Walker, LA; and Jeremiah (Bailey) Allen of Denham Springs, LA; and four daughters: Hannah (Jonathan) Montgomery of Purvis, MS; Joanna (Josh) Alexander of Waterford, MI; Susanna (Maico) Rubio of Falling Waters, WV; and MaryAnna Allen of Baton Rouge, LA.

He also found such joy and happiness in spending time with his seventeen grandchildren, with two more on the way whom he will see from heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan Allen; his sister, June Kay Archer; and a daughter, Cherish Faith Allen.

What a legacy of faithfulness and love he left for his family. Until we meet again, we will keep you in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Central Baptist Church, 17017 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Alan Bartlett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ministries John poured his life into over the past 40 years: the Bus Ministry and SMITE, both ministries of Central Baptist Church. https://centralbaptistbr.breezechms.com/give/online