With real sadness we note the passing of Edward R. Allen who died peacefully in his home in Canton, Georgia on Saturday June 20th 2026. Ned was the son of Eliza and Kenneth Allen of Oakwood Ohio. Ned, or “Bubbles” as he was called by friends and family, had some strong opinions about his obituary, mostly that he didn’t want one. His suggestion was the profound: “I came. I saw. I left.”

And though anything beyond this is unnecessary gravy according to Ned , it’s hard to say little about a man who was loved so much, accomplished so much and was such a vivid, hilarious, and intelligent presence in our lives. He will be greatly missed.

After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hotel management, Ned developed an innovative chain of 45 hip steakhouses called Le Chateau. In the 70’s, the chain was sold to Green Giant. In 1979, he formed Allen-Kearns, a real estate development company in Fort Lauderdale. In this capacity he developed and owned over 3000 homesites throughout Florida. In 1981, he joined Inter-Coastal Communities, later Chateau Properties where he was later named the CEO and chairman. He was an avid traveler, loved sailing and motorsports, and was the owner of “The Alamo” a ULRS hydroplane that won national championships three years in a row.

Bubbles would have called that last paragraph unnecessary. In his mind, his greatest accomplishment was the work he and his beloved wife Susie did with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ned served as the chair for the National Advisory committee while Susie, socially intelligent, warm and kind, Ned’s “better half,” we all agree, created and led the Alumni Association. Both were remarkable people, but their combined skills as power brokers, philanthropists, and business leaders allowed them to give generously and completely to this organization that meant so much to them. As Bubbles said, “We have faith in it, we believe in this work with all our hearts. We’ve seen all the wonderful things that have happened. We’ve had a wonderful, exciting life but this has meant more to us than anything we’ve ever done.”

One last thing: Ned stood in wonderment before the extraordinary accomplishments and personalities of his grandchildren. It was as if he could not believe they were his progeny. Even as his health declined, he was profoundly proud of his family, excited about his new great grandchildren and full of hope regarding the young people in his life.

He came. He saw. He left.

Ned is survived by his two sons, John and Ken and their wives, Terri and Stephanie; his grandchildren, Jack, Hank and Emily; his nieces and nephews, Terry, Jim and Cathy and his 5 great-grandchildren as well as a large extended family of cousins, in-laws and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzie, and his brother, Kenneth.

An online memorial service is being planned. Please check back for more information in the coming week.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edward R. "Ned" Allen.