Walter Allen

Father Walter Drew Allen, age 86 passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 2, 2019. His loving wife, Elaine was with him in their home in Taos, NM. Born in 1933 in Hearne, Texas, Fr. Walter resided in Houston, Texas, Vail, CO and Taos, NM. A graduate of the University of Houston, he went on to become a commercial developer and CPM in Houston before moving to Vail in 1992. A life long member of the Episcopal Church, he felt called to become a Canon Nine priest and was mentored by Father Brooks Keith at the Church of the Transfiguration in Vail. He assisted with ministry there until he and his wife moved to Taos in 2007 being drawn by their love of art and Elaine being an artist/painter. Father Walter began ministering at St. James and assisted with the food pantry and other community outreach programs. He was involved with the Lions Club in Taos having served as President and chairman for Kid Sight which screens 2000 children per year. Fr. Walter was named an “Unsung Hero” by the Taos News due to his many contributions to the community of Taos. He enjoyed life with his wife, Elaine, two children, six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 11 AM at St. James Episcopal Church. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund at St. James Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com