Elza Joe Allen was born on June 5, 1942, son of Dexter Allen and Elsie (Goff) Allen. He attended Xenia Schools in Xenia, Illinois, participating actively in the school music and band program. He also played drums in the Downbeat rock band, performing throughout southern Illinois and on the radio. Elza passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at the age of 84.
Elza attended Springfield College and Vandercook College, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. He played percussion in the Springfield Symphony while attending college at Springfield College.
Elza met fellow music education student Marie (Melton) Allen while studying at Vandercook College. They later married and raised three sons: David, Gregory, and Michael.
Prior to starting a family with Marie, Elza served as band director at Marseilles Schools in Marseilles, Illinois, and later became the band director at Centralia Junior High School, where he served for more than twenty years and became an influential member of the community of Centralia, Illinois. While serving as CJHS band director, Elza supported and volunteered as an active participant in the Centralia Cultural Society and Centralia Concert Association, as well as serving as a member, deacon, and teacher at local churches, including First Baptist, Presbyterian, and Trinity Lutheran. After retiring from CJHS, Elza led the band program at Trinity Lutheran School and continued his involvement with the Presbyterian and Lutheran churches.
Elza was a devoted music educator and Christian, and affected the lives of thousands of students throughout his lifetime. He is survived by wife Marie and sons David, Greg, and Michael, as well as grandchildren Elias, Emma, and Maegan. Daughters-in-law Betty, Sandy, and Amanda.
A visitation will be Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Elza will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, the Allen Family request’s memorial donations be made to the Centralia Junior High School Band and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Allen Family during this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
