It is with love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Allen Joseph Meche, a devoted husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Allen entered his heavenly home peacefully and surrounded by family on November 18th, 2024 at 82 years old. Known for his unmatched strength, hard work, boundless love, and playful spirit, Allen was the type of man that every man should strive to be, and he touched the lives of every individual who met him.

Born in Devers, Texas on October 8, 1942, Allen was raised with humble beginnings in a one bedroom log home, swirling with Cajun French dialect and seven Meche kids. At an early age, he discovered his own unmatched physical strength and learned the value of hard labor watching his Dad, Elridge Meche, work the canals on horseback. This influence led to a lifetime of hard work and a long, successful career. He retired with both TransWorld Drilling and ARCO Oil and Gas, and owned and operated M&M Rent All in Liberty. He finally truly retired to his role of a lifetime, as full time husband, Papa, prankster, cake maker, babysitter, and construction supervisor for most home & farm projects for his kids and grandkids. A highly skilled woodworker, Allen spent his life building not just with his hands, but with his heart. He crafted more than just beautiful wooden furniture, toys and gifts —he built a legacy of craftsmanship, determination, and pride in everything he touched.

Allen found his most valuable “prize” of his life when he bought a date for a quarter at a school auction with a sweet Freshman girl who was his neighbor from Devers, Joyce McAnally. It was then that the love story of a lifetime began to unfold, and he would go on to make the most of that quarter by spending the next 62 years with the love of his life. He married his high school sweetheart Joyce in June of 1962. Together, they had three children and built a bond that was the embodiment of a loving, devoted marriage. Allen and Joyce shared a life together that was a testament of true love, one that grew stronger with each passing year. Their love was a guiding light for their family, a beautiful example of what it means to support, cherish, and care for your spouse through every chapter of life, until God takes them home.

To his children and grandchildren, he was not just a father and Papa—he was both a pillar of strength and the definition of tenderness, a unique combination that he perfectly embodied throughout his lifetime. As a father, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, but as a grandpa, he embraced his role as “Papa” with a heart beaming with warmth, playfulness and compassion. He built memories for his nine grandchildren through imaginative experiences, in which he planned every detail. A typical trip to the farm in Devers became “a hay ride at Old MacPapa’s Farm” and the task of making a birthday cake would become a playground of ingredients, with all the grandkids covered in icing from head to toe. The most loving part of his career as a “master craftsman” was building the core memories that would live within the lives of his 9 grandkids forever, as well as his 15 great grandkids that he doted over. He was the life of every family gathering, the best dance partner, and always ready with a playful prank, a hearty laugh, and a loving hug. He knew exactly how to make anyone feel like family when they stepped into the room with him. His presence was a source of comfort and joy, and his infectious spirit will forever be remembered.

Though Allen spent his life immersed in hard labor, building a future for those he loved, it was in his later years, as Papa, that his greatest joy was found. Surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren, he embraced his retirement and spent his last years in a newly built log house on the same land where he was raised in Devers. He maintained the same warmth and zest for life that had defined his entire journey, and he truly was “Papa” to everyone who knew and loved him.

Allen is preceded in death by his mother and father, Thomasine & Elridge Meche, brother Ernest Meche, sister Shirley Putnam Ubnoskye, and nephews Terry Mamerow & Mike Putnam. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce McAnally Meche; His sisters, Beatrice Mamerow; Emelie Mamerow; Celyne Ness and husband Morley; His brother Larry Meche; His three children, John Meche and wife Nikki; Randy Meche and wife Memorie; Vicky Meche and husband Michael. He is survived by his grandchildren Kaci Rhine (Kris), Kara Spear (Alan), Stormi Meche (Eric), Ryan Meche (Kayla), Josh Remmers (Julia), Ross Meche (Jill), Lexi Broom (Brandon), Allison Williams (Reid) and Jacob Stelly (Anna). He touched the lives as Papa to 15 great grandchildren, Cash & Stella NgChee, Ellie & Thomas Rhine, Aurora Remmers, Eli & Remi Spear, Weston, Axel, August & Iris Broom, McKenna & Myles Meche, Ruby Meche, and Annslea Williams.

Funeral arrangements will be handled through Allison Funeral Service in Liberty, Texas. Services will take place on Saturday, November 23rd. A family viewing will be held from 8:00-9:00am. We invite you for a public visitation from 9:00-10:00am. The memorial service will begin at 10:00am.

Pallbearers are Ryan Meche, Joshua Remmers, Ross Meche, Jacob Stelly, Kris Rhine, Alan Spear, Brandon Broom, Reid Williams, and honorary pallbearer, Cash NgChee.

If you wish to honor Allen’s memory, please consider a gift to Samaritan’s Purse.