Donald Allen, Jr., known to many as Rocky, passed away in his home surrounded by family on June 3, 2026 at the age of 71.

Rocky, the son of Donald Allen, Sr. and Sue (Lerch) Allen, was born on November 20, 1954 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Rocky pursued an education at UMSL and St. Louis Community College earning an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. This, however, was not to be the direction his life would take. Having taken a job as a record distributor, he happened upon a radio station in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in need of someone to work on the air. As was his style, he thought, "I can do that," and he did. It was in southeast Missouri that he fell in love with radio broadcasting. After a time working on air at KGMO he was soon offered a position in St. Louis at the iconic KSHE radio station and jumped at the chance. Realizing after a while that this was not the ordained timing, he withdrew from the radio world as he didn't think it was the life in which to raise a family, which was important to him.

Upon first meeting Julie, Rocky knew she was the one and proposed after just six weeks of dating. He married, became a father, and was working as an entrepreneur in St. Louis when he was approached to work at another local station, KHTR. This moment was the inauguration of his true calling. Working in Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Buffalo, NY, and finally the city he set out to conquer-New York. Six short years in the industry and his aims were achieved. He then set his next goal-to become the number one listened to broadcaster in the number one market in the country. Once again, he did it, never taking for granted the gift bestowed upon him. Using his position at WKSE in Buffalo, WPRO-FM in Providence, and WPLJ in New York, Rocky worked to provide for many charities benefiting children and the homeless.

Through his work and throughout his life, Rocky brought joy and laughter to his audience and those close to him in his daily life. The example he set was one of hard work, perseverance, excellence, and love of family and friends. His life was not easy, yet the grace and positivity with which he faced the many setbacks he navigated was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Rocky was born to be a "girl dad." He modeled love, humor, independence, compassion and confidence. Never one to be afraid to dream big, this dad taught his girls that they could do anything by first dreaming the dream and then putting in the time and effort to make it happen. The only thing that could replace his love for radio would be the joy of becoming a grandfather, Grandpa Dude, or "Dude" as they lovingly called him. He was blessed with Madelyn, Bear, Hudson, Genevieve, and Greyson, and loved them with his whole heart. In recent years, his favorite time was spent making memories with them and he did so as often as possible. Rocky is survived by his wife of 44 years, Juliana (Herman) Allen, daughters Alexis Allen and Jamie DeChant (Joshua), brother Shawn (Kathy) Allen, five grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law; many loving cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews, and his large family in the radio industry; those with whom he worked and the many who were present every day listening and inspiring him to do it again the next day, but better.

Services:  A service remembering Rocky will be held at St. John United Church of Christ, Manchester, MO on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Visitation at 11:00 a.m. Service to follow at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) or Champ Assistance Dogs (champdogs.org) . As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.