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Note: Bob had a step-father, J. Dean Landon, who was born in East Canton and lived in Windfall, Bradford County, PA. Bob was a farmer and later went to work for PA Department of Transportation. Bob was very handy at woodworking. He enjoyed making Christmas yard decorations. Their house was always a must-see stop every Christmas with all the lights and wooden figures. He also made the "Smoky the Bear" figure for the Innes Hose Company. He stands just south of Canton next to the firemen's field. Dorothy painted the figure after Bob created it. Marriage license #23856, Bradford Co.: Albert Paul Allen, farmer, born in Granville Twp., living in Canton Twp., age 23; divorced his first wife on Dec. 7, 1942, Bradford Co.; his dad is Lester Allen who was born in Armenia Twp., is a farmer living in North Towanda; his mom is Mida Colton who was born in Granville Twp. and lives at RD1 Canton. Bob's bride is Dorothy Laninger. "The Daily and Sunday Review", Towanda, Feb. 20, 2002: On the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, well-known Canton-area resident Albert Paul "Bob" Allen passed away quietly at his home, surrounded by his beloved family, after a brave battle with cancer. He was 82 years of age. Born in Granville Township on Oct. 23, 1919, he was the son of Lester Allen and Mida Colton Allen Landon. Bob grew up in the Granville and Canton vicinity, having attended both the East Canton and Windfall schools. He courted a young lady named Dorothy Laninger, and on Dec. 26, 1942, they were united in marriage. Bob and his bride settled on a farm in Canton Township, where they raised a son and two daughters. He had been a member of the Beech Flats Grange. In 1972, they sold the farm, moving to a home on South Avenue, just outside Canton borough. Bob took a position with PennDOT, retiring in 1985. He and Dorothy could now share more time together. They enjoyed square dancing and camping, having been members of the former Rolling Hills and Knights of the Road camping clubs. Over the years these activities introduced them to many new friends. Bob was an avid card player and horseshoe pitcher, and he was especially fond of draft horses. He was a great fan of country and western music and in October of 2000 shared with Dorothy a most enjoyable trip to Branson, Mo. Bob was a man who enjoyed the company of family and friends, whether engaged in work or leisure. Wherever help was needed Bob was usually among the first to volunteer. He would often assist his son-in-law with several projects for the Canton Fire Department. For more years than anyone can remember Bob cooked for the annual Firemen's Fair. His years of dedicated service earned him a life membership in the Innes Hose Company. Perhaps nothing exemplified Bob's goodhearted spirit more than his annual elaborate Christmas display, his personal holiday gift to the community. One might even describe him as Canton's very own Father Christmas. Each year, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, he would endeavor to transform his front yard into a treasure trove of seasonal sights and sounds, much to the delight of young and old alike. Not only Canton-area folks, but people from several miles away would drive through this Wonderland to see the ornate and intricate decorations, most of which were designed and built by Bob and Dorothy. Each year he would add a new display to the cast of characters. Though the assembly was laborious, it was a labor of love. Once it was up and running, Bob took great pleasure in the joy and excitement on the faces of the children who visited. It was his intent that everyone should have a truly merry Christmas. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy, at home; son, Tim (and Dianne) Allen; daughters, Dottie (and Bob) Shedden and Lou Ann Trick (and special friend Roy Vargason), all of Canton RR1; grandchildren, Tina (and Jack ) Seeley, Gina (and Bill) Bastion, Wendy (and Moe) Mosher, Mike (and Billie Joe) Shedden, Sherry Wamsley and Shawn Trick (and fiancee Shelley Freeman); nine great-grandchildren; a stepbrother, Tom (and Dora) Landon of Canton RR1; a stepsister, Jean (and Gene) Harman of Canton RR3; a half-sister, Judy Mosier of Sugar Run; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Linda, in 1947, and a son-in-law, Grant Trick, in 2000. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center St., Canton. The funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Duane Taylor, pastor of the North Union Christian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Beech Flats Cemetery. Contributions in Bob's memory may be directed to Innes Hose Co., P.O. Box 72, Canton, Pa. 17724, or to Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, Pa. 18848.
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