Billy Gene Allen passed away at home on Saturday, September 19 at the age of 84.
Billy was born to parents Art and Thelma Allen on December 8, 1935, in Clayton, NM. He grew up the youngest of three children on a farm and cattle ranch near Boise City, OK. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1954.
Billy began breaking horses at the age of 16 and then started competing in rodeos. He met his wife, Connie at a rodeo in Des Moines, NM and they were married on February 16, 1957. After living in New Mexico for a few years they moved to Scott City, KS in 1965 to set up a full-time horse training operation. They bought Sunnyslope Horse Farm where they resided until the summer of 2019.
Billy trained and showed American Quarter Horses earning 11 World Championships in heading, heeling, reining, work cow horse, and halter. He also began a successful breeding program with a herd consisting of 175 horses at its peak. In 1979 Billy and his wife Connie founded Billy Allen Products, Inc. and started manufacturing their own horse feed, which they ran until the summer of 2019 prior to retiring to Scottsdale, AZ. Billy also designed and developed the Billy Allen Reining Bit that is still sold and used by horsemen worldwide.
Billy served as the President of the Kansas Quarter Horses Association and was inducted into the KQHA Hall of Fame in 2005. He was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Billy is survived by his wife, Connie; his brother, James; his children, Doug and wife Francesca, Brenda, Jeff, and Jennifer; and his four grandchildren, Courtney, Tabitha, Caitlin, and George.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Thelma, and his sister, Verena.
At Billy's request, no services will be held. Condolences may be sent to the family at 8602 E Lone Mountain Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Billy and Connie Allen Equine Education Fund with the Scott Community Foundation in Scott City, KS. https://scottcf.org/
Tributes
Brent Wright and family wrote on Oct 5, 2020:
"Dear Mrs. Allen, Doug, Jeff, and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Billy\'s passing. He was so admired and respected in the horse world. I remember in my early days of training horses, I learned so much by watching him and imitating what I saw him do. He was truly a legend in our business and will be greatly missed.
God bless you all and may you look to Him for peace in your time of loss.
Love,
Brent Wright and family "
Shirley Bob Labrier wrote on Sep 21, 2020:
"So sorry and condolences for the passing of your husband, father , grandfather and entire family . ? to all . What a gentleman, a cowboys cowboy !
I called my brother today to give him the news , Leon looked up to him so much, I listened to 3 or 4 stories, and I know there?s a lot more of their roping day?s together.
My personal story is this ,
I was a younger admirer of Billy, 11 years younger than him and
6 years behind my brother.
In 1965 I was blessed with a baby boy, first name Bill after his Grandad, I insisted the middle name be Allen with this gentleman, family man, cowboy and calf ROPER extrouidinare in mind .
Our condolences to the entire
Allen family
RIP COWBOY ??p
LEON LABRIER
SHIRLEY BOB LABRIER
"
Debra Jo Endres-Ard | Lizton, IN USA wrote on Sep 19, 2020:
"I am sorry and deeply saddened by your family?s tremendous loss. Billy was one of the finest horsemen in the equine industry. He will be sorely missed long into the future. Please know each of you is being held close in thought and prayer during this painfully difficult time. Sending my heartfelt condolences and many hugs for all. "