Allen Bruce Morain

Allen Bruce Morain
February 8, 1935 – July 19, 2021

Allen Bruce Morain was born on a kitchen table in the middle of a dust storm, which may explain why he was an only child. That was February 8, 1935, in Clinton, OK. His parents were Gordon Douglas and Edna (Eddie) Irene Morain. To say Allen was adored is an understatement. The small family of three moved to Norman in 1938 when Norman had around 11,000 people. Gordon maintained the movie theater equipment, including the five Navy theaters, and bought a popcorn machine so Eddie could make popcorn she and Allen could sell at ballgames and fraternity and sorority houses. Their collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding in 1945 of Gordon's Specialty, a heating and air conditioning company in Norman, employing three generations through the years.

Allen attended Lincoln Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and Norman High School, where he excelled in sports and academics. He was valedictorian and senior class president. He was the quarterback on the football team, played basketball, and ran track, lettering in all three sports each year. His stories of this part of his life were legendary, especially when he acquired a black Model A Ford. He painted large orange polka dots on the car with girls' names conspicuously printed in each dot. The bonds of friendship forged during this season lasted a lifetime.

After high school graduation in 1953, he attended the University of Oklahoma. He played basketball for Coach Bruce Drake his freshman and sophomore years. He was also very active in the Baptist Student Union. He earned a business degree and also got his pilot's license. He was a devoted Sooner fan throughout his life.

In March, 1958, Allen and Loyce Smith Condrey married, a beautiful marriage that lasted sixty-three years. They loved and cared for each other in good times and challenging ones. The two enjoyed traveling around the United States and internationally, but loved most coming back to their home, the gathering place for family and friends. They lived in their house on the hill on Highway 9 for 30 years and when it was time to downsize, they found the perfect place for their later years.

At age 23, Allen took over the day-to-day operations of Gordon's Specialty. Many family members, including all of his children, were employed at one time or another. It was a fabulous training program to grow their business and customer care skills.

Faith was the cornerstone of Allen's life. He grew up in Norman's First Baptist Church, where the beloved Preacher E.F. Hallock was a prominent mentor in Allen's life. In 1962, Allen and Loyce took a sabbatical from First Baptist to become charter members of a new mission, Bethel Baptist Church. They returned to First Baptist Church in 1972. Allen read his Bible in the living room every morning. His children remember going to breakfast, seeing their dad in a darkened room with a single light, reading his worn Bible. He taught nine-year-old boys in Sunday School for 38 years. He made learning about God fun and approachable. Allen served on the board of deacons and many leadership committees throughout his years in the church. He was a church greeter and mentored young greeters until his body would no longer allow that activity. He served the homeless and weekly mentored a young man in need of a male role model at Lincoln Elementary School, his alma mater, for many years. Allen loved people and made everyone he encountered feel welcome. Even when he was spending more time in his recliner at home, he would call people he thought might need encouragement that day.

His family was his greatest joy. His compassion and dedication to service were core to him, and he passed that servant's heart on to his children. He was intentional about teaching skills and lessons, including with his 17 grandchildren. They can each tell you specific ways their Papaw taught them skills or lessons that he chose, considering their interests. Allen loved traditions. A favorite was Christmas Eve, when the family would gather at a nearby barn. Allen prepared special lighting and arranged bales of hay for seating. They read the Christmas story from Luke, sang a few carols, and remembered the reason for the celebration. For a majority of those 30+ years, there has been a real baby to play the role of Baby Jesus, sometimes two or three babies.

Hunting and fishing were a favorite pastime throughout his life and spending time at the family property at Lake Texoma was a highlight. There, he passed on his love for fishing, taught kids water sports, and cooked breakfast on the beach. He made time together memorable.

Allen also loved Norman, OK, where he served on the Norman Planning Commission and the board of directors for City National Bank (now First Fidelity). He was active in the Norman Chamber of Commerce and a 50-year Kiwanian. In 2013, he and Loyce were Grand Marshals of the Norman Christmas Parade on a blistery cold day. In 2020, he was honored as a Norman Business Legend. Allen also served on the Oklahoma State Alcohol and Beverage Control Board, the board of Reaching Souls International, and the board of Face-to-Face Ministry alongside his longtime friends, Jerry and Marilyn Fine.

These people are the joy and legacy of Allen Morain: Daughter Connie Baker, children Zack and Ashley (Daisy – coming soon), Kathryn, and Nick; Daughter Tammy and Charlie Pasque, and their children Cooper and Hailey (Luke and Hudson), Kyle, Colin and Carissa (Steel), Kurt and J (Romy), Amy, and Hannah; Son Bruce and Kristi Morain and their children Hailey and Taylor Rider (Brax, Lawson, and Hayes), Caleb and Alex (Coy and Briar), Jake, and Allie and Chase Scott (Cope); Daughter Anne and Tim Kizziar and their children Josh, Jed, Jenna, and Juhree.

Allen was much loved. He had many near and dear friends, a testament to his faithful loyalty. He loved them and he cherished his numerous family members, including generations of cousins, nieces and nephews, and his brother and sister-in-law, David and Linda Smith.

What a life he lived!

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Monday, July 26 at 2211 Westwood Drive, Norman, OK. A Celebration of Life will be July 27 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche Street, Norman, OK 73069. The service will be live-streamed. The day of the service, you will find a link on this page, that will be active 15-20 minutes before the service begins.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Norman’s First Baptist Church. The family invites you to leave your stories below about Allen.