Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
Live Oak City Councilman James Donald “Don” Allen tragically passed away on Saturday, July 16. Allen was born on Aug. 23, 1949, making him 72 years old when he passed, surrounded by his loving family. “He was passionate about the city… He was just a great councilmember,” City Clerk, John Gill said.
At the Tuesday, Aug. 9 meeting, the Live Oak City Council unanimously voted that his beloved wife of 11 years, Tessie, will fill his seat, serving District Five on the Live Oak City Council. “He indicated to me he would like to see his spouse finish out his term simply because the people in his district had voted for him. It would be someone that was next to him, close to him, shared his values and views, knew what he wanted for the city, and had been there with him and for him,” Mayor Frank Davis stated. The council had until Monday, Aug. 15 to fill the seat. Otherwise, there would need to be an election 90 to 120 days after the vacancy.
When asked to take his seat on the council, Tessie emphatically stated “I would love to, I’ve been here all my life. I love this city just as much as all of you. I know his wishes, I have all his notes.” Tessie, who married Don in December of 2011, continued, “he trusted me to do a good job. I can’t do as well as him, but I can do it.” Councilman David Burch told Tessie, “I know you will fulfill his wishes, which is very important.” Tessie will serve until the end of Don’s term, in July of 2024.