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 to 1985, was a Cocke County High School graduate in 1938, and went to Tennessee Wesleyan College and played football his freshman year before enlisting 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; sister Frances Allen Brooks; and daughter-in-law Donna Allen.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Dorothy McMahan Allen; daughters and son-in-law Pamela Cole and Mike Walley of Newport and Gwynda Sharon Allen of Cleveland, OH; sons and daughters-in-law John B. Allen III (J. B.) and Scott and Yvette Allen 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; six great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Jimmy and Jean Allen; sister and brother-in-law Bernice and Frank Strickler.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, in Manes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Allen Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will be receiving friends from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Manes Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Manes Funeral Home in charge.