Robert E. Allen Dec. 27, 1919 - Aug. 7, 2012 Resident of Walnut Creek Robert E. Allen, husband of Betty M. Allen, died at 92 years of age. Bob was born and grew up in Hampton Iowa. A graduate of Grinnell College and a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois, Bob conducted research at the William S. Merrill Co and Cutter Laboratories in pre-clinical drug discovery, which included the fertility drug Clomid. He was later a patent agent for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Bob was a lifelong student of art, music, bridge, and an avid gardener and world traveler. After retirement he regularly read to a housebound woman, was a companion to an Aids patient, landscaped his garden, and was involved with his church. He was dearly loved by his family, his wife of 67 years, Betty, his four sons, John, Bill, Tom and Jim, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.