John B. (Diddle) Allen, Jr., age 88, of Newport, passed away Friday, February 26, 2010 in Arizona.

He was a Sergeant in the United States Marines. He enlisted in July 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945. He served in World War II in the Southern Philippine Islands, New Caleon, Telouge, and New Georgia.

He owned and operated Northport Drive-In for 16 years from 1969-1985.

He was a Cocke County High School graduate in 1938 and went to Tennessee Wesleyan College where he played football his freshman year prior to his enlistment in the U. S. Marines.

He was preceded in death by his parents John B. Allen, Sr. and Arlie Arrowood Allen, son Ethan Dwain Allen, and sister Frances Allen Brooks, and daughter-in-law Donna Allen.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Dorothy McMahan Allen, daughter and son-in-law Pamela Cole and Mike Walley of Newport; daughter Gwynda Sharon Allen of Cleveland Ohio; sons and daughter-in-law John B. Allen, III (JB) and Scott and Yvette Allen, all of Newport; grandchildren Laura Weeks, Walter (Buddy) Cole, Meghan Cole, Michael (Mike) Allen, Dorothy Allen, Brandeanna Allen, John B. Allen IV, Jordan Allen, and Ashley Allen, and six great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Jimmy and Jean Allen, and sister and brother-in-law Bernice and Frank Strickler.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Manes Funeral Home.