Roland "Butch" Gravette Allen was born January 6, 1955 to Ruth Allyne Gravette and Alvard Odren Allen Sr. He grew up in Harrisonville, MO and graduated from Harrisonville High School. He was an outstanding athlete in several sports, many of which he held records for decades including winning All-State in football, basketball and track. He earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Missouri and majored in history. He also attended William Jewel College.

Roland was a self-taught musician, whose passion was singing and playing lead guitar even though he played all instruments well. Roland played, sang, wrote, composed, produced...he was an all-around Renaissance man of music, a true entertainer. He also shared his gift of music with his church family at Sanctuary of Praise.

Roland "Butch" Allen confessed his faith in The Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord at an early age. He experienced many ups and downs throughout his life and was a walking testimony to the grace of God, His unconditional love and immeasurable willingness to forgive. He was a believer in Jesus. He emanated the peace of God in his heart.

Roland began his family and married Toi Lynn Hayes on January 5, 1988. To this union two children were born. Roland later married the love of his life on November 13, 1999, Deborah Lynn Hayes. To this union one child was born. Roland was preceded in death by his mother, father, his brothers Alvard Allen Jr. & Edwin Allen, his sisters Priscilla Handy & Delores Allen, and his niece Anastasia Madison.

He leaves his memory to cherish with his wife Deborah (Debi), his brothers Dallas, Edward, & Arthur Allen; his sisters Berma Jones, Dorothy Allen , & Esther Allen. He leaves his children Sheryl Moore-Jones (Craig), Christian Allen, Chancellor Allen, Jevon Wallace (Whitney) and Chiris Allen and Grandchildren Christopher Winns, Airyal Moore-Jones, Cayden, Gavin, Kyanna, Grayson, Jaxon, & Jothym. As well as a whole host of cousins, nieces and nephews and his two constant care givers Robin and Lezlie.

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