This is a repost on the anniversary of Richard's death.
Cpl. Richard Alan Allgower, United States Marine Corps
Richard Alan Allgower was born August 7, 1981 at Richmond, Texas. He passed away August 15, 2010, at the age of 29, surrounded by his family.
Richard attended Holy Rosary Catholic School in Rosenberg and graduated from B.F. Terry High School in 1999. After attending Texas State University, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. As a reservist, he was Platoon Honor man, meritoriously promoted and deployed to Africa on two occasions.
After two years of reserve service, Richard augmented to active duty. His career continued with another meritorious promotion and deployment to Iraq. At the time of his passing he was an active duty Marine.
In June of 2009, Richard was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor. The diagnosis led him to a journey that inspired all he came in contact with. Above all, Richard loved and served his God, loved his family dearly and loved his country. He also loved ice cream cake, Star Wars, college football, a good laugh and his sidekick, Bailey.
Those who knew “Rich”, knew the “Force” was with him and that he truly believed in his motto: “God has a plan,” and Rich followed that plan.
On July 27, 2010, the Taylor City Council proclaimed the day to be “Richard Alan Allgower Day”, in his honor.
A funeral mass was held August 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taylor, Texas. Present were Patriot Guard Riders from all over central Texas, who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.
Other of the Riders led the hearse from the funeral home to the church. As the hearse stopped in front of the church, six Marines, in full dress blue uniforms, stood at attention and saluted their fellow Marine. Those Marines then removed the flag draped casket from the hearse and carried it into the church for the mass.
At the conclusion of the service, the Marines carried the casket from the church and placed it back into the hearse. Patriot Guard Riders then lead the hearse to the Taylor City Cemetery for interment with full military honors. At the grave site awaited other Riders with American flags.
The Catholic priest performed the graveside Rite of Commital, and the gathered mourners recited the pledge of allegiance to the American flag, as the Patriot Guard Riders enveloped the gathering in a ring of American flags.
A seven rifle detail of Marines fired three volleys of fire, the bugler played taps and the flag that had draped the casket was folded into the traditional triangle. Three expended cartridges were tucked into the folds of the flag, representing Honor, Duty and Country. The flag was then presented to Richard’s dear wife, Lexie on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps and a grateful nation, in appreciation for Richard's service.
Cpl. Richard Alan Allogower, forever a Marine, was then laid to rest, deep in the heart of Texas.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his parents, his sister and numerous other dear family, friends and Marines.
The Allogower family requests that donations be made to the Semper Fi Fund, which provides direct monetary support to injured Marines and their Families.
http://semperfifund.org/donate/
Heal my hurts, O Lord,
with your love,
with your life,
with your gentle strenght,
In my pain, in this calvary,
let me find you.
Let me carry my cross
as you did yours -
with trust,
with compassion,
with hope of a new
life ahead,
Whatever happens, Lord,
day by day
help me keep my
faith in you.
Amen
With thanks to the Taylor Daily Press for biographical information.
