David James Allman, age 103, of Memphis, MO, formerly of Dolton and South Chicago, IL, died Jan. 21, 2004 and is buried in Memphis Cemetery, Memphis, MO. Brother of the late Timothy, Jack, Norbert, Philip, Joseph, Adam, Frances, Patrick, Helen, Hyacinth and Patricia. Survived by sisters, Lucille and Effie; nephews, Timothy and Theodore; and nieces, Norine and Susan. David James Allman was born on the south side of Chicago on Oct. 26, 1900 to Tim Allman and Mary Ellguth. William McKinley was President of a United States that had just won the Spanish American War, the Wright Brothers would make their historic flight the next year, and it was two years before the first World Series game would be played. The first car David owned was a Model T and that was just the beginning of his love of Ford’s. He drove a Ford until he stopped driving at age 98. When David graduated from Bowen High School, he joined the Chicago Police force, like his father had done. David’s uncle, James P. Allman, served the longest term in office as the Commissioner of the Chicago Police Force. It was the Prohibition Era and after two years David decided that he didn’t want to be a policeman. David went to work in the theater and quickly worked his way up from being an usher to a projection operator at the Calumet Theater in South Chicago. He enjoyed the job and learned the business quickly. In those days, working the projector was a great responsibility because the movie film was flammable and could easily explode if used incorrectly. He was a projectionist until 1982, when the reels just got too heavy to carry. David worked at the Gayety Theatre in South Chicago and River Oaks Theater in Calumet City. David was blessed with two wonderful wives, Albertina “Teanie” Miller until 1941 and Velma Adams until 1997. David was a member of the Motion Picture Projectionists, Audio Visual Engineers and Computer Technicians Union Local 110. He was a past member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in South Holland, IL and The Knights of Columbus, Genoa Council. David had a quick wit until the end of his days and was always ready with a joke or story. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for David at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, South Holland, IL on Feb. 14, 2004 at 11 a.m. Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy (Eskimo legend). Memorials to the charity of your choice. 630-416-9205 for information.
