Delma "Porge" Allen, 89, of Lake Placid, formerly of Arcadia, Florida, entered into eternal rest and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday morning, January 9, 2026, at UF Health Shands Hospital.

Mr. Allen was born in Jasper, Florida, on August 20, 1936, to the late Della (Wynn) and Avner Allen. As a child, he moved to Arcadia, where he spent the majority of his life faithfully serving the people of DeSoto County. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to service, duty, and integrity. Following his military service, he devoted 43 years to public service in the DeSoto County Clerk's Office, retiring as Clerk of the Court. He later continued his dedication to the community when he was elected to serve on the DeSoto County Board of Commissioners.

Mr. Allen served as a Deacon for many years at his church in Arcadia before becoming a devoted and faithful member of Placid Lakes Baptist Church. His steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and love for the Lord were evident to all who knew him. He found great joy in worship, fellowship, and teaching, faithfully serving as a Sunday School teacher and mentor to many.

He had a special heart for children and youth, enjoying mentoring young people throughout DeSoto County by serving as a coach and umpire, roles through which he influenced countless lives with encouragement, discipline, and kindness. Known for his warm personality, Mr. Allen was also a jokester who loved practical jokes and playing harmless tricks, bringing laughter and joy wherever he went.

In his leisure time, he was an avid Florida Gators fan, especially passionate about Gator football, a love he eagerly shared with family and friends.

Above all else, Mr. Allen was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and led them with quiet strength, consistency, unwavering love, and faith.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Sue Allen; his parents; and his siblings, Sylvia Allen Currie and J.T. Allen.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa Norris; granddaughters, Jennalee Newton (Joseph) and Kaylee Norris; great-granddaughters, Graci Edwards, Kalli Edwards, and Hailey Holtzer; as well as sister Linda Williams, brother, Ronnie Allen (Charlotte), and sister-in-law, Betty Ruth Allen.  He also had several honorary family members he loved very much including sons Archie Lamb and Bill Bevis, granddaughter Brittany Gainey and great-grandson Malachai McDowell.

A funeral service celebrating the life and faith of Mr. Allen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Placid Lakes Baptist Church, 116 Cleveland Ave NE, Lake Placid, Florida, with Rev. Jeff Taylor officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia, FL, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, awaiting the glorious resurrection promised through Christ.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him."
—Proverbs 20:7