Donald Douglas Allen

Donald Douglas Allen, known as “Don”, passed away at the age of 76 on December 6, 2023 in Katy Texas while surrounded by his family and loved ones. A Texas native, Don was born in Houston on April 27, 1947 to his parents Audre Richardson and Alvin Douglas Allen. He is preceded in death by both his parents and his long-time partner, Patricia Gannon.


Don was a talented play-by-play sports announcer and was well known in Lafayette Louisiana as “The Voice of the Cajuns”. Don’s voice was heard on the radio for over 30 years as he announced all of the Ragin Cajun sporting events for KPEL and University of Southwestern Louisiana/UL up until 2001. Don started out as a color commentator for KPEL in 1971, however he was given the opportunity and emerged as the play-by-play “Voice of the Cajuns”. Every week a community of loyal listeners would tune in to listen to Don talk sports. Many agreed he was very skilled in calling basketball. His knowledge of the game coupled with delivery rendered a special quality in sports radio that many listeners say they still miss today. In that time mastering the art of play-by-play he extended his experience to announcing horse racing and became known also as “The Voice of Evangeline Downs”. Don was also a very accomplished writer. His gift for writing led him to become an award-winning columnist for The Times of Acadiana and The Daily Advertiser, where he wrote columns such as “Out of Bounds” and the witty “He Said She Said” with his muse Patricia Gannon. Don was also co-author of the book “The Terrible Storms of 2005” which was published in 2015. He would later join forces with four long-time Acadiana sports icons and friends to create the popular show “Five Guys, Stories and Lies” where Don was able to showcase the radio personality everyone grew to love over the years. Don’s talents were recognized and well received by many, including the Louisiana Associated Press of Broadcasters and The Writer’s Guild Awards.


In his personal life, Don was a private person and was deeply loved by his family and friends. As an avid golfer, Don had the dedication to win the Sr. Louisiana Open in 2003 cementing his passion and love for the sport. His other passions included music and movies and certainly critiquing movies at the end, or during. In his later years Don rekindled his relationship with the Lord, reflecting on his faith and spiritual journey. Don is survived by his greatest joy, his three children, Ian Christopher Allen, Shannon Allen Rees, and Sean Douglas Allen. Also survived is his daughter-in-law, Kristen More Allen, and son-in-law, Desmond Rees. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Hunter, Audre, Emilee and Fisher.


A memorial service to pay respects will be held at the Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum in Lafayette, Louisiana on January 13th, 2024. The service will be a “come-and-go” from 12:30pm to 2:00pm, with a memorial blessing at 1:00 pm. A private family burial will follow the memorial service. In memory of Don Allen, donations can be made to Feeding America.