Lieutenant Colonel Carl “Dave” Allen passed away after a 5-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his beloved wife and children at his home in Spencer, IN at 1:15
PM Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Dave, the second of 2 children, was born April 19, 1962 to Carl W. “Bill” and Phyllis (Hedge) Allen in Frankfort. Raised in the Woodside school district, Dave grew up one block from the school in the same neighborhood as his father. Dave admired his mom and dad; his parents provided a loving example and taught him how to treat others well and serve his community. He equally enjoyed spending time with his sister, Jody.
Dave graduated from Frankfort High School in 1980 after being active in baseball, basketball, and National Honor Society. He was also recognized his senior year as one of the top 50 Accounting students in the state of Indiana. This interest in accounting led Dave to Ball State University on a partial academic scholarship. After Ball State, Dave entered the U.S. Air Force and became a Missile Launch Officer in the middle of the Cold War. After training at Vandenberg AFB, Dave was fortunately assigned to Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, MT. On the guys’ first night out on the town, Julie approached Dave and asked him if he’d like to dance. Being the gentleman he is, Dave said “sure” and thus began a dance that continues to this today. While at Malmstrom AFB, they were engaged for 18 months before tying the knot on March 26, 1988 in a small, but wondrous wedding at the Maxwell Chapel attended by family and military friends. The couple brought Billy into the world in May of 1991. Military moves to Scott AFB, IL, Maxwell AFB, AL where Katie was born, and Hickam AFB, HI would follow before the entire Allen group returned home to Terre Haute, IN where he was the AFROTC commander at Rose Hulman and Indiana State University. He retired from the Air Force in 2005 and started the Air Force Junior ROTC program in Spencer, IN. The culmination of Dave’s 21 years of honorable service in the military are the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Humanitarian Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Dave continued his dedication to service, focusing on needs of the local community. For his tireless efforts and for acting as a role model for so many, the Governor of the great state of Indiana honored Dave with recognition as a Sagamore of the Wabash.
Dave was a Cold War era kid who grew up thinking the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Bears, and Indiana Pacers were some of the coolest institutions to ever exist. He played basketball with a red white and blue basketball and knew to be home in time for dinner, where his mom had surely cooked a fine homemade meal. He witnessed the height of the space race and moon landing as a child and always had interests in space and flight. He had a deep love for our Country and truly cared about the future of our nation. He enjoyed pickleball, shooting hoops, time with family, and especially being Papa to his granddaughter Olivia.
Dave is survived by his wife, Julie A. (Rogstad) Allen of Spencer, IN; children, Kathryn Allen of Spencer, IN and William (Elizabeth) Allen of Camby, IN; and granddaughter, Olivia also of Camby, IN. He is also survived by sister, Carlena Jo “Jody” Davis of Frankfort, IN; and numerous extended family members.
Dave was preceded in death by parents, Carl and Phyllis.
Visitation will be held at Owen Valley High School Auditorium in Spencer on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. until the time of Funeral Service at 6:30 P.M. Military Honors will immediately follow the service.
Private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
Thank you to all family, friends, colleagues, clients, and medical staff who provided countless acts of kindness, caring and support to Dave and his family, especially in the past couple of years. Please visit www.westparrishpedigo.com to leave a message for the family.
Memorial donations may be made to the Owen County Community Foundation in memory of David Allen. Envelopes will be made available at the visitation or https://owencountycf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3145
Arrangements are in care of West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer.