Allen Vernon Temple, of Colmesneil, Texas, passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 83. His wife of nearly 65 years, Joyce Temple, was by his side in Woodville, Texas when he passed, as she had been through the vast majority of their lives.
Allen was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1942 and was raised by his loving parents, Dolph and Ruby Temple, in Port Arthur, Texas, where he met his first and only sweetheart, Joyce Rogers.
Allen was an entrepreneur with an engineer’s mindset. He started, grew, and sold several successful small businesses over the last 50+ years. Allen was also a committed Christian who served in leadership roles at First Baptist Church of Woodville since joining the congregation in the early 1980s including by serving as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and a spiritual mentor. Prior to joining First Baptist Church of Woodville, he also served in leadership roles in prior churches.
Through his life, Allen was a committed family man. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and his three children and their spouses, Gina Temple Wolden and Scott Wolden, Greg Temple and Alisa Temple, and Ronald Temple and Derick Brown. He was also blessed with five grandchildren, Brandon Temple and his partner, Benita Taylor, Alexandra Wolden, Hilary Wolden, Zachary Wolden and his wife Megan Wolden, and Allison Temple Allee and her husband Colton Allee and five great grandchildren, Sutton Wolden, Paxton Temple Allee Wolden, Harper Wolden, Haylyn Humberson, and Harper Humberson.
Allen was predeceased by his parents, Dolph and Ruby Temple; his brother David Temple; and his daughter-in-law, Colleen Temple.
In his free time, Allen was a lifetime auto enthusiast with a passion for NHRA Super Gas races. While he had to give up competitive driving in his latter years, he treasured the friendships he developed through the NHRA community and continued to appreciate watching competitions from a distance.
The viewing for Allen was held at First Baptist Church, Woodville, at 10:00 am on Friday, August 14, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. His burial took place at Colmesneil Cemetery following the funeral service. Officiating were Brother Larry Trest and Brother Jay Abernathy. Serving as pallbearers were Brandon Temple, Scott Wolden, Zachary Wolden, Colton Allee, Derick Brown, and Larry Adkins. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Temple and Johnny Temple.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church of Woodville, Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
Allen was deeply loved by his entire family who appreciate the outpouring of support since his passing. He will be sorely missed and always remembered for his commitment to his family and the community.
Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.
