Oct. 2, 1937-Aug. 9, 2024
Reed Jed Allen, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on Oct. 2, 1937, in Cove, Utah, he was the son of Reed Monson Allen and Neta Eskelson. Jed lived a life marked by devotion, service and love.
Jed married his eternal companion Nancy Lee Hyer, on July 1, 1957, in the Logan Utah Temple. Together, they raised five children and built a family legacy grounded in faith and service.
Jed served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1961. After graduating from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Jed started his career in the emerging field of computer information systems working at Thiokol in Brigham City, Utah, and then EG&G in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1967, Jed was recruited by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to work in the genealogy department and dedicated the last 34 years of his career to the church. Jed was at the forefront of the design and development of GEDCOM, (pronounced “JED-kom,” not coincidentally by the way … an acronym of Genealogical Data Communication), an open file format that is still the de facto standard specification for storing genealogical data today after being formally introduced in 1998, more than 25 years ago.
Not only did Jed dedicate his career to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints professionally, more importantly, he dedicated his personal life to Jesus Christ by loving and serving his family, his neighbors and by serving in various capacities in his local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of his roles included scout leader, ward mission leader, stake mission president, bishopric counselor and high counselor.
There is no way to adequately describe Jed’s service and contributions without including Nancy, his loving wife of 67 years. What one was involved in, the other contributed to. As part of their lifelong shared commitment to service, Jed and Nancy served a mission at the St George Bishops’ Storehouse for two years.
Jed is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; their children: Cindy (Ralph) Clingan, Lee (Alison) Allen, Jerry (Cathy) Allen, Sheri Allsop, and Jay (Stephanie) Allen; along with 25 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Blaine Allen; his sisters Carol Dutro, Kathy Mildenberger, Tami Salisbury and Peni Knowles; and many extended family members who will miss him dearly. Jed was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ace, Bob and Varr Allen and his daughter-in-law Tracy Taylor Allen.
A viewing and funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Northbridge Ward building located at 1080 West Arlington St., Washington, Utah. The viewing will take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 pm, followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hailee and Sequoia, his hospice caregivers, for their compassionate care and support during Jed’s final days.
Jed Allen’s life was marked by loving service and devotion to his family, his faith and his neighbors, leaving a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him, and continue to bless his family for generations to come.
Condolences may be shared on the McMillan Mortuary website. Click here to access the website.