Marvin Dean “Kentucky” Allen left this world and entered Heaven’s gates on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, after a brief, but hard-Fought battle with brain cancer.

Dean was the second son of Daily T. Allen and Christena (Couch) Allen. He grew up in Beattyville, Kentucky. In September 1978 he married Sherry (McBride) Allen and from this union was blessed with two children. They eventually moved to Nebraska, where they lived 26 years before retiring and relocating to Morristown, TN.

“Kentucky” as he was affectionately nicknamed, felt his life here on earth was meant to be a life of service dedicated to others. Whether it was as a volunteer at a preschool, or assistant Boy Scout Leader, baseball coach, or later as a basketball coach to his grandson’s team, he gave of himself as he tried to be a positive role model to generations of young people.

He was a wonderful husband, a good father, and an over-the-top Papaw with his corny, goofy jokes.

He began spreading the Gospel in Nebraska, where he received the calling to preach. Every week, he sang and preached the Word to the area of Nursing homes. When he retired to Tennessee, he joined the group preaching at the Lifecare Center in Morristown.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Kenny Allen, as well as his father-in-law, James McBride.

He is survived by his wife of 47 ½ years, Sherry and their children, Michael (Rachel) Allen of Alexandria, Kentucky and Sarah (Jeffrey) Barg of Morristown, TN. He was so proud of his 6 grandsons, Dade Barg, Zachary Barg, Noah Allen, Devon Barg, Benjamin Barg, and Chase Allen. He is also survived by his older brother, Ron (Margaret) Allen of Winchester, Kentucky; younger sister, Daylene (Jeff) Warner of Beattyville, Kentucky; mother-in-law, Mae McBride of Morristown, TN.

Marvin Allen said he didn’t want a sad, dark occasion upon this death. He considered this to be a happy occasion, a celebration of life! Guests are encouraged to bring memories to share and to wear bright happy colors!

The family would like to thank the staff at UT Hospital, the palliative care and hospice team members for their efforts in keeping him comfortable until the end.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Mayes Mortuary with funeral service to follow, Brother Doug Livesay and Deacon Ronald Allen officiating.

Family and friends will meet at 10:45am Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bent Creek Cemetery for an 11:00am interment.

Arrangements by Mayes Mortuary.