Roll Call Tribute

Allen Jay Ahlschwede 

October 26, 1967 - December 28, 2024 

Allen Jay Ahlschwede, 57, of London, Texas, died December 28, 2024, from a cardiac event and a subsequent stroke. Allen was born October 26, 1967, in Manhattan, Kansas. His family relocated to San Angelo, Texas in 1973 where Allen grew up showing Angora goats, sheep and cattle. An active 4-H'er, Allen won many major shows, including Grand Champion Market lamb at the North American Livestock Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, he was a member of the National Championship Wool & Mohair judging team. Allen graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1986 and Texas A&M University in 1991 where he was selected as the first Ag Intern to Congress. After graduation, he returned to Washington, DC, culminating his time there as a Legislative Director for a Texas Congressman. Allen furthered his education at Texas Tech University School of Law, graduating in the class of 1998. While in law school, he met Tonya Spaeth, a fellow student, and they married on June 6, 2000. Allen practiced law for 26 years and served as County Attorney for Kimble County from 2008-2015.

Allen was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was intelligent, meticulous, and funny. He was a great cook, offered sound advice and could argue any point. His children, Jay and Sophie, were his highest priority, supporting them and their friends from the show barn to the tennis courts to State UIL debate, and even building an award-winning cheerleader parade float! He set high standards for them but was also at the ready to pull a prank and find humor in tough situations. He was generous, always willing to help others, and community minded.

Allen is survived by wife Tonya Spaeth Ahlschwede, son Jay Ahlschwede and daughter Sophie Ahlschwede, parents George & Grace Ahlschwede of Wall, Texas, brother Scott Ahlschwede (Patricia) of Saratoga Springs, NY, and sister Anne Ahlschwede (Nelson Barnes) of San Antonio, TX. Niece Elena Ahlschwede, and nephew Axel Ahlschwede. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Betty Ahlschwede, Von and Pearl Marr and his mother and father-in-law Dayton and Mag Fleming Spaeth.

A private service and burial were held on Monday, December 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mason County Livestock Show & Expo, PO Box 721, Mason, Tx 76856.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net