EAST HERKIMER – Mr. Jere J. Van Allen, age 77, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, passed away, unexpectedly, on Monday evening, December 26, 2016, in the privacy and comfort of his home. Born on August 12, 1939, Jere was the son of the late Francis and Catherine (O’Keefe) Van Allen. He was raised and educated in Little Falls and it was on December 29, 1962, that he was wed to the former Lois A. Clark in St. Mary’s Church. The couple would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Thursday. Jere was a proud veteran and attained the rank of Specialist in the United States Army, serving his country from 1962-1964. A hardworking man who was dedicated to supporting his family, Jere spent many years as a truck driver for the Walmart Distribution Center in Marcy. As a quiet and unassuming man, Jere’s most precious of talents were those that required him to use his hands. He was an excellent woodworker and a skilled electrician, who enjoyed adult coloring books in his free time. He loved his home and his family and will forever be in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Survivors include his beloved wife, Lois; his son and daughter-in-law, Lt. Christopher and Amanda Van Allen of Virginia Beach, VA; his two grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored, Amelia and Aaron; his sisters, Katherine Markwardt of Mohawk and Karen Usselmann of Salisbury; and his brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Carol Van Allen of Falmouth, MA. He also leaves his in-laws, Theresa Van Allen, Russell and Mary Ellen Clark and David and Joyce Clark; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother, William Van Allen. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Jere’s calling hours, which will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016, from 3:00PM – 5:30PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home (FKA Holleran Funeral Service) 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. Jere’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 5:30PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of calling hours, with Rev. Janet Gleason, Pastor of the Herkimer United Methodist Church, officiating. Spring interment with full military honors will take place in Middleville Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Route 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. All service arrangements have been entrusted to Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors of the Enea Family Funeral Homes. Online sympathies can be left at www.eneafamily.com.