Allen Lee Brain

Allen Lee Brain passed away peacefully in the arms of his family on March 8,

2023, at the age of 76, in their home in Amarillo, Texas. Allen was born on October 22, 1946, in Borger, TX to L.E. & Margaret Brain. He proudly wore #15 playing football for THE Phillips Blackhawks, he received the “Fighting Heart” Award for football in 1966 as well as a football scholarship to Southern Colorado State. He attended Frank Phillips College and then married his high school sweetheart Mary Janeway Brain on May 31

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, 1968.  He continued his

education at West Texas State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Secondary Ed-Biology in 1971.  He then began his 24-year career with Phillips Petroleum as a Safety Professional and EMTA. During his tenure, he welcomed his first son, Larry John in 1971, and in 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Alanna Leigh (his namesake), and his second son, Paul Andrew in 1982. Upon retiring from the oil industry, he obtained his Red Cross Instructor certificate in 1996. He then began his career in education by coordinating and developing the BAC/PASS class for Borger Middle School. He also obtained his Special Education certification in 1999 before retiring from teaching in 2005. He and Mary moved to Amarillo in 2006 to continue their journey serving the community and their grandson, Ethan James.

He was active in his church as an ordained deacon, and Sunday school teacher, and started a puppet ministry for children. He was also involved in his community through coaching soccer and as a Boy Scout leader. He was an avid hunter and man’s best friend. He was the mow master and tended all gardens. He was the fixer of all things. He LOVED football. There is nothing he couldn’t draw and rarely was he silent in his storytelling. His heart was such that he was a precious listener and a baby/animal whisperer.

Allen was an outstanding patriot, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. He was passionate about his volunteer work with Panhandle ABA Resource Association (PARA). And above all, a man after God’s own heart. His favorite scripture is: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:32

He was preceded in death by his parents L.E. and Margaret, brothers Larry and Dean, and his beloved son Paul Andrew.

Allen is survived by his soul mate Mary; his son Larry Brain and wife Carrie of Amarillo; his daughter Alanna and husband Shane Hepler of Amarillo and his awesome best buddy of a grandson, Ethan. Also survived by his loving extended family including Joe Janeway of Borger; Bill & Debbie Janeway of Blossom; John & Judy Janeway of Fairview; Jan & Marty Calhoun of Amarillo; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and precious friends.  Allen is also missed by his beloved dog, Cami-Sue, who was by his side until his last day.

A celebration of life will be on March 25

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@ 3:30 pm @ Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd in Amarillo.

Our family would love memorials or donations to be made to Team Ethan in Allen’s name to Panhandle ABA Resource Association (PARA) a 501c3 Texas non-profit corporation, EIN 82-1815214, that provides resources and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them. Please make checks payable to PARA attention Abby Snyder at 6031 Bell Street Amarillo, TX 79109.