Paul was born November 28, 1910 in Holly Grove, Arkansas to the union of Nathan Jesse Allen Sr. and 
Katie Davis Allen. He was the fifth of seven children . Mary Lee, Lois, Mattie, Alfred, Jesse Jr. and James respectively. In 1924, the Allens moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Paul attended Kellom Grade School and Technical High School. After graduation, Paul worked numerous jobs until he became employed with the Union Pacific Railroad as a waiter. He was united in marriage to Bonnie McWilliams, and to this union, two sons were born Paul Jr. and Alfred E. Allen. Between these two sons nine grandchildren were produced, along with numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
On July 31, 1942 he was drafted into the United States Army. Paul served with the 4271st Quartermaster Heavy Truck Company in the European Theater of Operations. He received recognition for his participation in the campagns of Northern France and Central Europe and was decorated with three Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 09, 1945.
Upon his return to Omaha, he resumed his entrepreneurial endeavors--Amvets Club, Sharpe Inn Restaurant and Allen's Bar, which after much renovation became Allen's Showcase, at 2229 Lake St. from 1951 to 1985, and definitely the place to be if you were in the city or visiting the near north side. Paul was not only an entrepreneur but a promoter of live entertainment, he was involved with many local musical groups and also responsible for bringing some national groups to the city of Omaha.
In April 1947, Paul married Dorothy Beck, and together they opened the A & A Music and record store in 1953 at 2408 Lake Street. He was also involved in the Juke box business along with his son Alfred. Paul was well known well respected and loved by many, he also ran as a city councilman in the early years, and was one of the first blacks to seek that office, unsuccessfully. He was also fondly known as "Spade" by many friends and relatives, because he cracked a murder case in Omaha with a found wallet, and so the name Sam Spade of private eye fame, was stuck on him.
In his later years even after retiring, he continued to work as his new adventure found him in the carpet and installation business. He was loved and admired by his family, with many family gatherings at his home at 1518 John Creighton Blvd. He was very out-going, very sociable and also a member of The Benedict's Club, a gentlemens organization that awards scholarships among other community involvements. He lived a rich full life, and on Sunday June 08, 1997 at the ripe old age of 87, Paul Bonaparte Allen Sr. passed away.
