Allen M. Hope, 81, of Paris, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021, at his residence in Barton Township surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 2, 1940, in Barton Township, the son of Maynard and Edna (Romine) Hope, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958. On October 18 of that same year, Allen married the love of his life, JoAnn Mitchell at age 18. Recently, Allen and JoAnn celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary.

Allen was a farmer first and foremost, in many ways it was the central theme in all that he did in life.  Even while in high school, Allen began driving a milk truck for Ralph Fuller, picking up milk from local farms; and later he purchased the route as his own.  His second passion was truck driving, driving for Dean’s Foods, Tiel Oil, Hyde Trucking and eventually as a bus driver for Ferris State University.  

Allen preferred a simple life; he loved people, the outdoors, working on the farm with his John Deere tractors, hunting and dancing.  He and JoAnn could often be found dancing the night away wherever they could find a polka band, or square-dance; and if there wasn't a dance to attend, they would dance together at home.

Allen was a hard worker and dedicated family man who had a zest for life and spending time with his family . Later in adulthood he developed a relationship with the Lord and became a member of the Reed City Seventh Day Adventist Church where he continued to grow his faith. He was also a member of Moose Lodge #705 in Reed City and a longtime Trustee for the Barton Township Board.

Left behind to cherish Allen’s memory is his wife JoAnn; their children, Linda (Dave) Golden of Grant Center, Mark Allen Hope of Paris, and Terri (Dave) Meier of Paris; grandchildren Heather (Rob) Dennis, Erin (Brian) Benjamin, Cody (Cheyenne) Hope, Kayte (Austin) Cayton, and Rachel Hope; great-grandchildren Lydia, Kallen, Evieann, Cylie Jo, Hunter, Levi, Colten, Westen, and Easton; a great-great-grandson Waylon; his sister Doris (Robert) Wells of Paris; a sister-in-law Sandra (Bob) Lackney of Ashton; and many nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 22, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Garhett Morgan officiating.  Burial will be in the Davenport Cemetery in Barton Township.  Allen’s family will greet friends at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2021, and beginning at 10 a.m. Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Audiovisual Fund at his church.   Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.