Allen Lewis Glidden

Allen Lewis Glidden, age 63, of Monroe Drive Lexington, who faithfully served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for 41 years, was embraced by God and welcomed home after a courageous 3 year battle with brain cancer.   Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Monday in the Davidson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel with Rev. Paul Titus officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park with military honors.   The family will receive friends at Davidson Funeral Home from 2:00 until 4:00 pm Sunday.   Born August 23, 1949 in Coshocton, Ohio to Billy E. and Viola Bitikofer Glidden. Allen graduated from Dover High School, Dover Ohio in 1967; following graduation, Allen entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served 4 years of active duty. He served in Vietnam from 1969-1970, where he served in 10 operations including the 1968 Tet Offensive and Operation Rolling Thunder. He was also stationed at Paris Island, SC, Camp Pendleton, CA, Okinawa and Camp Lejeune, NC. He was a member of First Alliance Church on Arnold Road, where he served on many boards and committees. He also served as the Alliance Men’s President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance South Atlantic District for 11 years. Upon his return from Vietnam, Allen became engaged to Rhonda Kollar and they married, August 19, 1970 and they recently celebrated 42 wonderful years of marriage this past August. While residing in Ohio, Allen worked for Reeves Steel/Empire Detroit Cyclops Corp; Reese Trucking and Baker Hi-Way Express. In 1979 they moved to North Carolina where Allen worked for Spector Freight/Viking Division and later became General Manager of Cargo Carriers/American Transport, where he worked until his illness forced him to quit. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Billy E. Glidden; grandparents, Frank and Eva Glidden and Elmer and Mary Bitikofer.   Allen is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rhonda Kollar Glidden of the home; two wonderful sons, Frank and Tim Glidden both of Myrtle Beach, SC; his mother, Viola Glidden of Lexington; brothers, Byron Glidden and wife Debra of Eugene, OR and Rev. Terry Glidden and wife Judy of Stilwell, KS; brother-in-laws and sister-in laws; Stan and Brenda Schupbach of Dover, OH; Brad and Sue Kollar of Holiday, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and special friends/neighbors, Steve and Carolyn Temple of Lexington.   Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of god and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Allen modeled the life of Christ and was an inspiration to many.   Memorials may be directed to First Alliance Church, (Playground Fund) 1370 Arnold Road, Lexington, NC  27295.   Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net