Kemah, TX - John Christopher Allen, 79, of Kemah, Texas, passed away in mid-February. A loving brother, son, and uncle, Chris was born in New York City to Lewis H. Allen Jr. and Barbra (nee Elliott) Allen. Chris was nothing if not self-reliant. An engineer by blood, temperament and training, he daily proved his ability to master tough challenges - from building his own waterfront home, to solo sailing Galveston Bay, to single-handedly rowing numerous challenging shores and rivers, and as a key leader of the Continental Airlines engineering team. He began his work life after graduating from Lehigh University as an electrical engineer for Pan American Airlines in what was then Idlewild Airport (now JFK) - following in his father's footsteps. Soon afterwards, he struck out on his own, moving to Kemah, Texas to work for Texas International Airlines where he was to remain for more than 40 years as that company took over Continental Airlines (and adopted the "proud bird with the golden tail" Continental name) and was ultimately to become part of United Airlines. A proud Texan by the time the United takeover occurred, he became one of many "ex-Cons" (Continental folk) who resisted the corporate pressure to relocate to Chicago. He retired as their Chief Avionics Engineer.
A lifetime aficionado of the music of life, he became an enthusiastic Karaoke personality and billed himself as "Karaoke Star at Numerous Bars" under the name Kemah Sabe. Among his life's passions, his love of the sea dominated. In addition to his daily sailing adventures on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, his annual vacations took him on sailing adventures to other corners of the world. Chris enjoyed solo travel to warm climates, often in the Caribbean; he especially enjoyed Windjammer Barefoot Cruises where passengers were made honorary deckhands.
Behind Chris's somewhat staid exterior there was always a contagious belly laugh at the ready and a bon vivant who enjoyed simple pleasures, a good meal, a cold can (or two) of Miller Lite, and basking in the sun. He loved his community and enjoyed friendships with many neighbors. Notably, Chris - along with his trusty sidekick "Spuds" (an inflated dog) - was a regular participant in the Clear Lake Annual Christmas Boat Parade and regularly took first prize in the man-powered division in his rowboat "Tonto," which he elaborately decorated for the occasion. Chris, self-described as " Commander of the ship," commanded a full life. Adios, Kemah Sabe...RIP.
Chris was predeceased by his parents Babs and Lewis Allen and leaves behind a sister, Barbra Espinal of San Francisco, brothers Sandy Allen of Westerly, RI, and Terry Allen of Rockport, MA, and Terry's family: sister-in-law Mary Allen, nephews Nick Allen and Dan Allen, niece Kate Feininger, and six great nephews and two great nieces. A celebration of life will take place on April 26th, 4:30pm, at the Sundance Grill in League City/Kemah. For more information, please send an email to: booth-91-dojos@icloud.com.