Nolen Charles Allen died peacefully at home on March 27, 2015, surrounded by his family. Born April 12, 1930, in Paducah, Kentucky, he was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Charles Tyler Allen and Pearl Gaines Allen, brother Royce Gregory and sisters June Priest and Ruth Dyer.
​He is survived by his lifelong love and wife of 63 years, Patricia Ann ‘Maydie’ Freeman; his five children, daughters Gail Allen, Melinda Allen Stogel (Steven), Jan Allen Pfeifer, Alisa Allen Nash (David), his son Tyler Nolen Allen (Chenoweth); his grandchildren, Andrew, Jackson and Ellie Stogel, Sarah Pfeifer Vandekerckhove (Drew), Andrew and Carson Pfeifer, Ben, Lucas and Julia Nash, Harcourt, Eli and Stites Allen; his brother Carney Allen of Paducah and a large extended family who were dear to him. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many treasured friends and business associates who enriched his life.
​Nolen’s heart belonged especially to Maydie; his love for her deep and abiding. His greatest joy was his family and he left a profound impact on his children’s lives, exemplifying a life committed to responsible action, service in his community, a strong work ethic and the importance of family. Nothing delighted him more than his twelve grandchildren.
​A man of faith, he was a lifelong member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities at both the local and denominational level from Sunday School teacher to elder and trustee. He modeled throughout his life what it is to live in alignment with one’s values and beliefs.
​Nolen had a sharp mind when it came to business, a generous heart when it came to helping others and he combined those resources to enhance the lives of many in this community, often behind the scenes. He had a reputation for being honest, fair and for conducting himself with integrity. He believed in the equality and dignity of all people.
​After graduating from Lone Oak High School and Paducah Junior College, Nolen graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1952 with a degree in Accounting. He and Maydie moved to Louisville where he joined the William Cotton Accounting Company. He became partner at age 26. In 1954, he earned the Elijah Watts Sells Medal for scoring the second highest grade in the United States on the CPA examination.
​He was president of Cotton and Allen for near forty years. He was an active leader in his profession, serving as president of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants, a member of the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy and a council member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Kentucky Society of CPAs and was inducted into the U of K Gatton School of Business Hall of Fame in 2003.
​For over fifty years Nolen helped to build this community, serving in both the public and private spheres. He used his business acumen to help create and finance several real estate projects throughout the city of Louisville. He was a prolific dealmaker and was integral in building numerous companies. Most of all, he leaves a legacy of respect and love by many dear friends and business associates.
​Several organizations were dear to his heart, and he worked faithfully in support of them.
Nolen was an early and longtime champion for the Center for Women and Families, serving as Board Chair as well as Chair of capital campaigns.
​He had a long association with Bellarmine University, beginning in the 1950’s when he taught a CPA prep course. He went on to serve on the finance committee and Board of Trustees. He was honored as a Bellarmine Knight in 2001 and received an honorary doctorate in 2006.
​He supported the University of Louisville as advisor to the School of Business and was Vice Chair of the U of L Foundation. He was Board Chair of the old Louisville General Hospital during its transition to University Hospital.
​He was affiliated with the Baptist Hospital System in various capacities for over twenty years, as member of their boards and Chair of the Baptist Hospital Louisville Foundation.
​Nolen also served as Chair of the Boards of the Jefferson County Capital Projects Commission, Jefferson County Budget Commission, Center for Interfaith Relations, The Belle of Louisville, The Community Foundation of Louisville, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and The American Red Cross Louisville Area Chapter. He was a board member of Home of the Innocents and Kentuckiana Children’s Council. In 1965 he served as the National Treasurer of the United States Jaycees.
​A service to celebrate his life will be held at Caldwell Chapel, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Friday, April 3, 2015, at 11:00am, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, from 12 noon to 8pm at Highlands Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to the Center for Women and Families.

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