Biography:


Dr. William Thomas Allaben, 86, of Little Rock, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
William (“Bill”) was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 23, 1939. He was raised in Rockton, Illinois, and graduated from Hononegah High School. He later earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Southern Illinois University and went on to build a distinguished career as a toxicologist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He married Anita Gray on May 3, 1969, and they shared fifty-six years together.

Bill served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1967. He was stationed in France for several years and served as a medical laboratory technologist. He carried that sense of duty and patriotism throughout his life and instilled a strong love for country and its values in his family. His work with the FDA brought the family to Arkansas, where they built their home and raised their children.

Aviation was a defining part of Bill’s life. He maintained his private pilot’s license throughout his adult years and created lasting memories piloting his family in his Cessna. He was a recipient of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing more than fifty years of safe flight. Later in life, he became a member of the Arkansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, a natural extension of his lifelong commitment to aviation and public service.

Bill also cherished time spent fishing. As a young man, he fished the Rock River near his home in Rockton. As an adult, he enjoyed the lakes and rivers of Arkansas and never passed up a chance to fish from the shore when near the ocean. For him, fishing was as much about being outdoors and spending quality time with family as it was about the catch. He took the time to teach each of his children and grandchildren how to fish, passing on both the skill and the love of the sport.

Above all, Bill devoted himself to his family. His wife, their children, and their grandchildren were his greatest joy, and every accomplishment and effort in his life was grounded in his love for them.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Edith Allaben, and his half-brother, Gerry Jr. He is survived by his wife, Anita Allaben; his daughter, Heather Saco (James) of Greenbrier; and his son, Timothy Allaben (April) of Little Rock. Grandchildren are Amelia Saco, William Allaben, and Weston Allaben. He was lovingly known by his family as “Grampy.”

Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the EAA Young Eagles program supporting youth aviation education. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com