Walter Hiram Allen III died at his home in Independence, Louisiana, on Thursday, March 19, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born on June 19, 1946, he was a life-long resident of Independence and served his country with honor in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hiram Allen II; his mother, Lynn Allen Pingno; his step-father, Luke Pingno; his wife, Shirley Goss; and his son, Jason.

He will be greatly missed by his sister, Abigail Mulcahy; brother-in-law, Greg Mulcahy; nieces, Laura Green (husband John Green and children Zachary and Maggie), Pamela Schulze (husband John Schulze and children Karin and Allen), Amy Barrilleaux (husband John Beard and children Alex and A.J.)

In light of the global pandemic, the family will hold a private funeral followed by burial at Shelton Cemetery in Copiah County, Mississippi. A public memorial service is planned for the summer and will be announced at a later date. At that time, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to New Orleans VA Medical Center or Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Centers.

We are thankful for the friends, relatives, neighbors, caregivers, and medical professionals who have helped us through this difficult time. Your acts of kindness, good wishes, and prayers are deeply appreciated.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.