ALLEN WALTER VINZANT JR. Passed away October 23, 2002 in Chico, CA. Born in Berkeley, CA on September 3, 1926. Age 76. He grew up in Berkeley and graduated from Berkeley High School. He attended Marin Jr. College and then joined the Army Air Force in 1944, receiving the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. He was trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He married Jacqueline Angle in 1948. He owned and operated Vallejo Chrysler Plymouth car dealership for 35 years. He had been a new car salesman since 1954. He moved to Stonyford in 1977 and worked for the US Forest Service for 10 years. During this time he owned a ranch raising grain and some livestock. He moved to Chico 4 years ago. Past Master and member of the Stonyford Grange, member of St. Mary of the Mt. Catholic Church, VFW & member & past president Beaver's Rod & Gun Club. Past president of the Port of Oakland Community Service Club; past member of Sunset Dist. Boy Scouts of America and Oakland Men of Tomorrow; Dodge Key Club Honor Society; and the national organization All Star Medallian Club. He loved to hunt, fish, cook and till his vegetable and flower garden. He especially enjoyed music, listening to jazz and hits of the 40's and 50's. He loved to dance. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter & Mattie Allen and his brother, Glover Allen. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Y. Allen of Chico, sons, Vinny Allen of Forest Ranch and Michael Allen of Oakland, daughters, Denise Turner of Pittsburg and Susan Russell of Vallejo, his brother, Larry Edello of Oakland, sisters, Joyce Frost of Oakland and Margarite King of Suisun. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, October 28, 2002 at St. Mary of the Mountain Catholic Church in Stonyford. Reception immediately following at the Grange. Memorial contributions may be made to "Walter V. Allen Scholarship Fund" for students in Care of Soensen's Affordable Mortuary or Stonyford Grange c/o Karen Peterson, PO Box 9, Stonyford, CA 95979. Arrangements by Sorensen's Mortuaries, Chico-Gridley 530-893-4292.

Alameda Times-Star 10/26/02.