Under God's magnificent sky, Bonnie Arthur Allen was welcomed into his life on July 26, 1928. He was born to Bonnie L. Allen and Bertha Skaggs Allen on the EK Ranch in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. He went to school in Weed until moving to Tularosa to finish High School as salutatorian in 1946.

At the age of 17, Bonnie worked on the Wood's Ranch, which is not part of the missile range after the government moved the ranchers off their land to establish White Sands Missile Range. It really broke Bonnie's heart, as he loved ranch work. One night in 1945, Bonnie woke to what he thought was an earthquake. He ran outside to see a brilliant light, which later became known to the public as the first test of an atomic bomb.

Bonnie later moved back to Tularosa and married Betty Jo Jones (deceased), and had a son, Mike Allen (deceased), followed by Judy Ann Allen Ferguson, married to Otis Ferguson, of Colorado Springs; Pulty Allen of Eunice; and John L. Allen, married to Jenny Allen of Tularosa. Bonnie left behind 14 grandchildren; Shane, Stephen and Tiffany Allen, Vaunda Montoya, Aaron Elza, Ty Spires, Roman Sanchez, Tanya Gier, Mandy Talbot, Josh, Karni, John, Ashley and Aleesha Allen; and a herd of great-grandchildren.

Bonnie later helped the construction of the tunnel going to Cloudcroft, and then went to work at Holloman Air Force Base. He eventually became the supervisor of military vehicle maintenance for units deployed to European countries.

Bonne was active in Mounted Patrol, N.M. Wildlife Association and the Lions club.

His greatest love was the mountains, where hunting and fishing brought light to his heart. Sharing that love with his children and grandchildren ensured that sharing continued from generation to generation.

On September 17, 1978, Bonnie killed a 339 6/8 trophy bull elk with a bow in the North American Big Game Competition.

In 1974, Bonnie married Linda Edington and moved to Mayhill, where they made their home. Bonnie raised two daughters with Linda; Kitty Waldrip, married to Kent Waldrip, of Alamogordo. They have one daughter, Bonnie Jean, of Carlsbad. Helen Waldrip lives in Carlsbad, and Lonnie Waldrip lives in Texas.

Linda and Bonnie shared 31 devoted years, side by side, whether hunting, fishing, or building for the future. They attended the Lord of the Mountain Fellowship Church, where the members looked forward to Bonnie's poems, stories, and testimonies.

He is survived by his sister Love Royland, of Forest Grove, Ore.; his brother David Allen, of Jal; and two sisters, Agnita Searcy, of Abilene, Texas, and Tressia Owens of San Angelo, Texas.

Bonnie was proceeded in death by his parents Bonnie L. Allen and Bertha Skaggs Allen; his son Mike Allen; his brother Elmer Allen, of Pine Top, Ariz.; and his sister Jo Ann Simpson, formally of Tularosa.

Bonnie will be missed for many things, especially his humor he carried on to his maker.

The testimony of his life is making his Mom's dreams come true when he chose a close walk with his Lord and Savior, and to the Lord he gave that glory.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Mountain of the Lord Fellowship with Pastor John Mikul officiating. There will be a viewing at the same location between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bonnie will then be buried in Burnt Canyon. The Extension Club will be serving a meal after services.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Elza, Josh Allen, Ty Spires, John Allen, Frank Allen and Jimmy Candelaria. Honorary pallbearers will be Roman Sanchez, Lincoln Gier, Cody Allen, Ray Sainz, Doug Lane, Jesse Wade, and Mike Guy.