Vernon Carl "Chigger" Allen was born November 23, 1952 in Bakersfield, California to George W. and Verna Jean (Riggins) Allen. He grew up in Shafter, attended Shafter elementary schools and graduated from Shafter High School with the Class of 1971. While in high school he was active in sports, playing on the football team and the swim team. Chigger worked in pool maintenance, cleaning and repair for 37 years, the last 7 years as the owner and operator of Pools By Chigger. Chigger was an avid golfer, playing every weekend. He also enjoyed bowling, playing pool, gambling, trips to the coast and mountains. Chigger loved life and lived it to the fullest. Chigger is survived by his brother, Donnie Allen and wife Ann; sisters, April Allen & Jinni and June Jones and husband Norman; all of Bakersfield; nieces and nephews; Cassie and Michael Ortiz and their children Madyson and Anthony; George Jones and daughters, Kylee and Kaytie; Michael Allen, Christopher and Elly Allen and son, Christian; and his loving canine companion Tuffy "two socks"; girlfriend, Kay Tye, and her children, Jerry and Trecea Tye and their children Kylee, Jake and Lindsay; Kevin and Megan Tye and son Ethan. Chigger was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service will be conducted by Peters Funeral Home on Friday, February 15, at 2pm at Shafter Memorial Park. Pastor Dean Long of the Shafter Freewill Baptist Church will officiate and interment will follow. Please sign Chigger's guest book at www.goldenvalleymemorialcare.com.