MR. M. L. ALLEN, JR.

Mr. M.L. Allen Jr., the son of the late M.L. Allen Sr. and Evelyn Allen, was born on September 4, 1936, at 8:00 A.M. in Delta, Louisiana. M.L. was the youngest of two children. His brother Tommy Gray preceded him in death. His son, Marvin Allen, also preceded him in death.

M.L. grew up in Canton, Mississippi where he attended public schools. At an early age, he had already developed an entrepreneur mindset. He had various forms of employment such as fetching water for sharecroppers and cutting grass at the local radio station. He was said to be the first African American on the radio in Canton, Mississippi.

At the age of 17, M.L. moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he attended Crispus Attucks High School. After high school he became employed at Stark & Wetzel Meats for 20 years and retired at the age of 37 to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. M.L. was dedicated to seizing the moment when it presented itself to him. M.L. owned a record shop, where he sold physical records, jewelry and other items of interest. This record shop allowed for him to bond with his daughters as they worked alongside him. The record shop was only 50% of the passion that the building represented. On the other side of the shop was his Karate studio, M.L.’s Karate and Physical Fitness. These two businesses served as a catalyst to his next karate studio, known around the Haughville area as “The Way Out: Isshinryu Karate Studio.” M.L. was heavily involved in karate and his community, as he served as an instructor. M.L. did not limit himself to only instructing in his studio. He also instructed at the Boys and Girls Club. In 1973, M.L. won the black belt championship that was held in Indianapolis, winning it with a broken hand.

M.L. developed a love for the Lord at a young age. Once he moved to Indianapolis he united with First Samuel Missionary Baptist Church. Here, M.L. served as Chairman of the trustees and Sunday school teacher. M.L.’s love for God was also expressed through his music as a Gospel musician. On his musical journey he started a group called the Wandering Travelers. M.L later embarked on a solo music career, putting out several projects, which included “Use What You Got.” In 2014, M.L. decided that the Lord was leading him to Hilo, Hawaii. M.L. continued to serve the Lord when he was unified with Rivers of Grace church, pastored by Miguel Hernandez.

In February 1957 M.L. was united in Holy Matrimony to Louisa Mays, and to this union were blessed with 5 children. M.L. was later united in holy matrimony to Caron Wai in 2003.

M.L. departed this earthly life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 89 years 4 months and 21 days.

M.L. leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Caron; his son, Kevin (Carol)  Allen; his daughters, Sandra (Thomas) Davis, Evelyn Pringle, and Sylvia (Michael) Myles; Two stepdaughters Cammie (San) Lyons, and Danielle Wai; grandchildren, Thomas Davis, Janice (Marcus) Bronson, Tamara Davis, Kelly Davis, Teren (Rebecca) Davis, Ricky Pringle Jr., Ryan Pringle, Ronald Pringle, Reesha (Dwan) Jarrett, Angelo (LaCretia) Allen, Samuel Allen, Solomon Allen, Michael Myles II, Montez Myles and Kevin Frink; 46 great-grandchildren; 7 great, great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He will also be lovingly remembered by the First Samuel church family, the students of his karate expertise, and many more extended family, friends and fans of his music.

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