Allen comes from humble beginnings. His father's family were tenant farmers in Waller County, near Pattison, back at the turn of the last century. His mother was a Gold Star Daughter, having lost her father during World War II.

Allen also lost his father when he was a young child, leaving his single mother and five siblings dependent upon community and church support. If not for Social Security Benefits, his family would not have survived. Allen learned the value of work early in life, helping to support his family through various odd jobs. He supported his mother while attending Nursing School, by caring for his younger siblings.

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He was the first in his family to graduate high school and went on to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and public administration while working full-time jobs and beginning to raise a family of his own.

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All along the way, Allen was mentored by members of “The Greatest Generation” instilling in him traditional, patriotic values and a strong work ethic.

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Learning the importance that local government can have on the lives of everyday people, Allen began a four-decade-long career in local government. Culminating in his appointment as City Manager for the city of Sugar Land in 2001, he served Precinct 3 residents for 20 years as the City’s CEO.