Bem Price Allen Jr. Obituary

March 19, 2025

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MACOMB, IL – Former Western Illinois University professor Bem Price Allen, Jr., 84, of Vincennes, IN, passed away on Sunday, March 9, in Rockford, MI, surrounded by family.

Allen dedicated 37 years of his career to Western Illinois University as a professor of psychology, earning multiple accolades, including the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award, the university's highest honor. He also received the WIU Award for Excellence in Diversity and Multicultural Programming and was named the 1990 College of Arts and Sciences Researcher of the Year. He was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a Consulting Editor for the Journal of the American Psychological Association. His research and advocacy helped shape the understanding of race as a social construct, influencing national discourse within psychology.

Allen's academic journey began at the University of Houston, where he earned his undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees in psychology. His passion for research resulted in 12 books, over 50 journal publications and presentations at 60 conventions. He was deeply committed to social justice and actively supported Amnesty International and the National Organization for Women.

Beyond his professional achievements, Allen was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Paula M. Allen; daughters Margaret E. Allen (Henry Caulkins III) and Kathleen Allen Crawford (Mark Crawford); son Bem Price Allen III; and grandchildren Courtney, Kaitlyn, Kelly, Emma, Bem IV, Henry IV and Joshua. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Kendall; brother-in-law, Chuck Brecher; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Price Allen and Bem Price Allen, Sr. and his sister, Stella Brecher.

A memorial service will be held March 15, at Pederson Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association – Greater Grand Rapids, 4081 Cascade Road SE, suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, Amnesty International, 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 or ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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