Daniel Allen

Daniel Burl Allen “Dan” was born on February 2, 1932 to Roy and Cora Allen in Washington, Indiana and was reunited with them in heaven on December 23, 2023 from the comfort of his home, surrounded by several loved ones. He had 7 siblings and enjoyed exploring outside with them as a young boy. Being born and growing up in the Great Depression gave him an incredible work ethic, a deep appreciation for humor, and an eye for creating beauty out of the mundane.

Dan became a father to three children, Joy Dee, Gloria “Jannie”, and Daniel Jr. “Danny” with his first wife. He then married the love of his life, Henrietta Gay “Pen”, on April 3, 1965. He seemed to be hand-chosen by her mother Jessie and all her family adored him. He was best buds with her brother Edward “Junior” and they would often fish, hunt, work the quarry or just clown around. He had an artistic soul and loved to entertain himself (and all those around him) through his art—be it drawing, creating comics, crafting birdhouses, painting, playing guitar, singing, whistling or just dancing around. He could fix or build anything he set his mind to and was often tinkering in the garage. Having maintained an appreciation for growing and preserving food since his youth, he gardened every year and loved to share the rewards of such labor.

Dan and Pen took in her two youngest sisters, Rebecca and Naomi, after their mother passed in 1966 and he was an integral role model and support to them. He was like a grandpa to their children and grandchildren, and the uncontested favorite uncle to multiple generations of nieces and nephews.  Everyone who visited them knew they would leave with their belly full, heart happy after so much laughter and arms loaded with garden goodies.

After retirement, he spent his days in the garden, doing puzzles with his brother Doug and sister in law Lil, swinging on the porch with visitors and savoring the sweeter things in life—namely ice cream. Although he valiantly fought dementia, he maintained his humor and shared so many gems of wit and wisdom in his last few days here on earth that will be forever cherished by those who loved him deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Henrietta Allen, his sister Susie (Terry) Riffey, his children Joy Dee (David) Krepp, Gloria Calonge, Daniel (Paula) Allen, and, multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, his sister-in-laws Lucille Steele, Rebecca Wilson, Naomi (Floyd) Faulkner, and so many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was welcomed home by a host of those who transitioned before him, most notably his parents Roy and Cora, sisters Wilma and Shirley, brothers Jim, Doug, George and Alfred, son-in-law Vernon, grandsons Scott and Joe, brother-in-law Junior, Sisters-in law Belle and Juanita, niece Jessie and nephews Steven and Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 3 pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 with visitation and a service at 4 pm at Hampton Gentry at 106 Shaw St., Plainfield, IN 46168.

Live Stream: https://my.gather.app/remember/daniel-b-allen