Allen Joseph “Zeke” Mizeur, 74 of Owaneco, died at 3:33 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Allen was born June 15, 1944 in Pana, the son of Raymond and Betty (Neel) Mizeur. He married Donna Hill on May 15, 1965 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Pana, by Fr Bernard LaBonte. She survives.

Allen lived his entire life in Owaneco. He is a 1962 graduate of Taylorville High School.

Allen passed away peacefully with his wife of 54 years and his four beloved daughters at his side. He adored his loving wife and cherished the family they built together. Allen’s Catholic Religion was equally important in his life. He knew the balance between hard work, family and religion.

Allen and his twin brother Alvin were the oldest of twelve children. The children are all still very close, even in adulthood.

Allen was a strong advocate for giving back to those who were less fortunate. Allen will be remembered as a gentle giant who always had a smile on his face and thought of others before himself. He volunteered his time and resources to those in need. He was a farmer, factory worker, Township Road Commissioner, owned a trucking business and was a volunteer fireman in his community for 55 years.

Allen had a second love in his life which was drag racing. The family spent many a Saturday evening at the Assumption Raceway, running his 55 Chevy “Ole Blue’ down the quarter mile. Prior to the illness that took this extraordinary man from our presence, he had begun a project to restore “Ole Blue.” His dream was to have his daughters have the opportunity to share his love of the sport. Allen expressed his disappointment in not being able to fulfill this dream, but asked his daughters to do their best to carry on his dream.

Along with his wife, Allen is survived by his daughters: Christine Ann (Jeffrey) Yucaneer of Owaneco; Karen Lynn (Steve) Miller of Morrisonville; Mary Frances (Rick) Coy of Taylorville; Samantha Jo of Taylorville; grandchildren: Carey, Shane, Corey, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Alana, Miranda, Larson, Shelbi; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Alvin (Janet) Mizeur of Owaneco; Rick (Kathy) Mizeur of Owaneco; Larry (Cathy) Mizeur of Owaneco; Dale (Doris) Mizeur of Blue Mound; Phillip (Karen) Mizeur of Oconee; Chuck (Bill) Mizeur of Springfield; Sandra Moma of Decatur; Mary (Kim) Petschow of Elgin; Patty Beck of Taylorville; Judy (Mike) Wilhour of Altamont; many nieces & nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many inherited family members.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Todd & Frances Hill; one brother: Paul Mizeur; nieces: Michelle Mizeur and Haley Wilhour; nephew: Johnny Cartee; and one brother-in-law: Bill “Boomer” Beck.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Interment will follow at Owaneco Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2019 from 4 – 7 p.m. also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests donations please be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611 or the St. Mary’s School We Believe Campaign. McClure Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the Mizeur family with arrangements. Memories of Allen, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.