September 27, 1933 September 22, 2019
September 27, 1933 -- September 22, 2019

Allen Bennett Kroger

Allen Bennett Kroger of Mesquite, Texas, died at home on September 22, 2019 in Mesquite, Texas. Allen was 85 years, 11 months and 25 days old. Allen was the youngest son, born to Henry B. and Elisabeth Kroger, on September 27, 1933 in New York City, New York. As a family, they moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1948. He was a 1952 graduate of Adamson High School, Oak Cliff, Texas, and attended Arlington State College, Arlington, Texas, earning his Associate's degree before he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He proudly served in the U. S. Army from May 29, 1953 to April 30, 1961. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in the 43rd Engineer Battalion, U. S. Army Reserves. He then attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Allen was proud of his service and honored to wear his Korean War Veteran's hat daily. He married Dawn Dodd on July 26, 1968 in Dallas, Texas, and recently celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had one son. He was a salesman of menswear for Titche-Goettinger (5 years), Woolf Brothers (21 years), Jas. K. Wilson (5 years), and Dillard's (10 years). After retirement, he enjoyed working as a school crossing guard for the City of Garland (7 years). Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Henry B. Kroger and Elisabeth Kroger, a brother, Henry C. Kroger, and a step-sister, Randolyn Ruby. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Dodd Kroger, of the home, one son, Ben Kroger (Canda), Rowlett, Texas, step-brother Darrell (Chip) Henson (Darlene), Leander, Texas, sisters-in-law, Dana Dodd Lewis (Luther), Hot Springs, Arkansas, and DeMaris Dodd (Martin Aguirre), Lubbock, Texas, and their families. A very special thank you to his wife, Dawn Kroger. Thank you for giving yourself so selflessly to make sure dad felt safe and loved during the last months of his life. He loved you so much. We would also like to extend gratitude to the staff of Christian Care Hospice of Mesquite, Texas. Thank you for your personal care and assistance. There will be an inurnment for Mr. Kroger on Thursday October 10, 2019 at 12:30 pm at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery and there will be a Memorial Service Thursday October 10, 2019 at 2:30 pm at the New World United Methodist Church 5134 E. NW Hwy. Garland, Texas 75043.