Fred F. Allen, Orange County Journalist, Dies of Cancer at 72

Fred F. Allen of Garden Grove, who had been editor of three Orange County newspapers, died of cancer Sunday at Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital, his family announced. He was 72.

Allen, who worked as a journalist in Orange County for 35 years, was editor of the Costa Mesa Globe-Herald, the forerunner of the Daily Pilot, and was editor-publisher of the Corona del Mar Ensign during that paper’s early years. Later, Allen was founding editor of Orange County Daily News in Garden Grove, and then was the head of communications for the Garden Grove School District until his retirement several years ago.

He also served as president of the Orange County Press Club and was active in other journalism and civic groups.

Allen was born in Chesaning, Mich., and graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in journalism. He served seven years in the U.S. Army before and during World War II, and was a reserve officer and a retired lieutenant colonel.

Allen is survived by his wife Billie; a son, Marcus Allen and daughter-in-law Denise of Sun City; a son, Barton Allen and daughter-in-law Mary Allen of Huntington Beach; a daughter, Jan Allen of Anaheim; grandchildren Brooke, Noah and Scott Christopher Allen; his brother, David Allen of Owasso, Mich., and sisters Mary Stiles of Lansing, Mich., Janet Hershey of Wheeling, W. Va., Beatrice Crane of Southfield, Mich., and Barbara Rutt of Diamond City, Ark.

Private services are pending. The family suggests that donations be made to Glenwood House Inc., Alcoholic Recovery Home, 8501 Acacia, Garden Grove, Calif., 92641.