Services for Judge Alex J. Allen Jr. were scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, 7301 Curtis, with the family hour starting at 10 a.m. and the service at 11.

He died on July 9 of complications from lung cancer. He was 74.

Judge Allen graduated from Cass Technical High School and received a bachelor or arts from Wayne State University, a Master's of Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary, and a Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law. He served with honor in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957.

He served as a probation officer for Wayne County Juvenile Court, an assistant director for the Commission on Children and Youth, City of Detroit, and as an attorney for Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services, Domestic Relations Division.

In 1969, he began practicing law at the firm of Gregg and Gardner. One year later, He developed a partnership with Elliot S. Hall, Horace E. Stone and Dennis W. Archer to form the law firm of Hall, Stone, Allen and Archer, P.C. that eventually included attorneys Ralph H. Richardson, Bennie Grier and William Johnson.

In 1981, Judge Allen launched a campaign that resulted in his election to one of the first seven seats on the 36th District Court. He served as presiding judge of the Traffic and Civil divisions from 1983 to 1985 and was elected chief judge of the court in 1990, serving in this position until 1997, making him the longest serving chief judge in the history of the 36th District Court. His passion for justice and service to others positively impacted the lives of people of all ages. The Michigan Council of Deliberation honored Judge Allen for his lifetime of achievements in 2008.

Judge Allen is survived by his wife, Nancy, and three sons, Alex III, Michael and Derek, and a host of other relatives.

Arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home.