Today, we celebrate the beautiful and vibrant life of Carl Anthony Allen, born September 8, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, to Opal Allen and the late Ardrie Allen. Carl was love personified—sweet, forgiving, and always ready to turn an ordinary moment into a good time. He was a dancer and a
singer, especially when a Gerald Levert song came on. And when you heard "Chocolate City" start playing, you knew Carl was about to light up the room—singing along, moving to the beat, and turning the moment into a memory everyone would carry forever. When "Who You With" by Lil Jon came on, Carl's energy shifted—bringing hype, laughter, and that unmistakable spark that let everyone know the party had officially arrived.

Carl had a zest for life and for the little joys that made it his own. He loved his Mary Jane, his Buick Riviera "Rivie", and all the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. And of course, no celebration of Carl would be complete without his own anthem, "I'm Rolling Like an 18-Wheeler." Whether talking about road trips, life, or simply moving forward with strength and purpose, Carl loved that song because it perfectly captured how he lived: steady, strong, and always rolling forward.

Carl also had a playful, vibrant alter ego known as "CNote." CNote was bold, unfiltered, and said whatever came to mind—bringing laughter, honesty, and a spark to every conversation. Those who knew Carl well knew that CNote's spirit was a true reflection of Carl's heart: vibrant, fearless, and always alive.

At an early age, Carl gave his life to Christ, beginning his faith journey at College Hills Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, and later attending Fredonia Baptist Church in Oak Hill, Texas. As an adult, he worshiped at Christian Stronghold Church in Dallas, Texas, and ultimately rededicated his life at X-citing Kilgore Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Carl attended Longview High School and went on to pursue many skills and trades. He studied Culinary Arts at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, earned his Class B CDL from trucking school in Tyler, Texas, and later his Class A CDL at Stevens Transport in Las Colinas, Texas, proudly calling it his license to "roll like an 18-wheeler." He also became a licensed HVAC and Heating Technician, skilled in systems of all calibers. His work and volunteer life reflected his heart for service.

Carl worked for Frito-Lay, served with Dallas County Schools, helping transport survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and worked at Tire Time Rentals—where he and "Mike" truly made it happen. He later managed and operated CNote and Sons calling it his "extra ends". As his health declined, Carl turned even more toward service—volunteering with Greater Head Start of Dallas, New Favour New Vision as a Logistics Coordinator, and The Fast Lane to Success, a nonprofit organization founded and operated by Carl, his wife, and sons. There, he served proudly as a Senior Analyst on
the Advisory Board, mentoring and uplifting others.

Carl was also a die-hard domino player, a proud member of DPG – Dog Pound Gang (He the Dog), and a man deeply loved by his Rochester Park family, who knew his humor, embraced his spirit, and truly dealt with—and loved—his "craziness."

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Ardrie Allen; siblings, DeShanne Allen, Kevin Allen, and Stephen Allen; nephew, Broderick Allen; nieces, Brittany Allen and Mardell Bowser; paternal grandparents, Leona Tribue and Johnny "Buster" Allen; maternal grandfather, Levy Wright; special brotherly friend, Mikel "Mike" Jessie; special friend, Shelia Johnson.

Carl leaves behind a legacy of love cherished by his wife of 34 years, Kathrine Allen; his sons Carwin Allen (A'Niyah) and Camron Allen (Jamica); his adopted sons, Dorian Gonzales and Jalen Wade; his grandson, Saint Allen; his granddaughters, A'Cari Allen, Santana Allen, and Carsyn Allen. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother, Opal Allen; grandmother, Mossie Wright; siblings, Michael Allen, Mark Allen (Wanda-Wayne), Januetta London, Pamela Stinson (Al), and Sheri Allen; aunts and uncles, Johnny Allen "Jackie" (Verna), Alyce Whitaker, Mozelle Wright, Shirley Clark (Charles), and Bobby Wright; and a host of friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, domino part- ners, and extended family.

Though we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice in the memories, the love, and the joy he poured into all of us. Well done, Carl. Take your rest. Your celebration continues.