Dr. Lawrence E. Allen, passed away peacefully July 12, 2024 at his home
amidst loving family and friends. He was born on January 1, 1937 in the front bedroom of his grandparents home, to parents Dorothy Rayl Allen and Leonard Allen and was the second child born in Bloomington, Indiana that day, but spent the next years of his life attempting to be first.
While in high school, Larry’s family moved to California, but he remained
behind in Bloomington from his sophomore year, forward to graduation, so that he would be able to maintain his academic standing and athletic
opportunities. He supported himself by working various jobs, such as filling station attendant, stocking at a grocery store and mowing lawns.
Larry graduated in 1955 from Bloomington high school, where he excelled
in academics and leadership roles and lettered in three sports; football,
basketball, and baseball. He also received a high ranking in his academics
which qualified him for several offers for college scholarships and offers to
continue his athletic endeavors.
The family in California convinced Larry to join them and attend a junior
college in proximity to their home in Pomona, where he excelled again in
basketball and football as well as academics, concentrating in theology. Upon returning to Indiana, he attended Hanover College whereupon he changed his major to pre-medicine and continued with his athletic endeavors in football, basketball and graduated with very high academic scores in 1959. He then was accepted into Indiana University School of Medicine graduating in 1963. During his medical education, he volunteered in the Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962. Upon receiving his medical education degree in 1963 from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Allen went on to complete his internship and residency at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. Wishing to continue to serve his country, he joined the Indiana Army Reserve as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps and was honorably discharged in 1967.
Dr. Allen had received his post graduate residency training in urology and
opened his urological practice in Anderson Indiana in 1968 as a urological
surgeon, bringing with him the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques.
He skillfully treated and cared for over 16,000 patients until his retirement
in December 2001. Dr. Allen was a well respected among his colleagues
and beloved by those he cured. He was soft-spoken, with a gentle demeanor, giving time to each patient that he treated. A pioneer in his profession, writing numerous medical papers and articles for professional
publications, he continually studied and researched the latest techniques and procedures to enhance the care of his patients, while sharing this
information with the nurses who cared for them post-operatively.
Dr. Allen received a Fellowship in pediatric urology in 1979 at the Hospital
for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He served as chief of
staff of the surgical department at St Johns Hospital in Anderson, Indiana
and held numerous committee positions, and as Speaker of the House for
several years for the Indiana State Medical Association, becoming its
president in 1985. He received the Honorary Emeritus Member Award for
St. John’s Health System in 2001.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Allen cherished family and friends. He loved reading, art, traveling, bicycle rides, sailing, collecting wine and playing golf. He treasured beautiful sunsets, listening to waves break up on the shore and took great pride in his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Dr. Allen and his wife of 37 years, Renee Hull-Allen, enjoyed numerous experiences and adventures traveling to all 50 states and many countries several continents.
Dr. Allen is survived by his wife Renee; his three children, Brad (Nancy) and children: Cassandra (fiancé Koen Bosscher), Bryce and Sam;
Kerrie Brown, O.D.(John) and children: Scot and Jack and Dan Jeffrey Allen, D.D.S., (Kerri ) and daughter Abby; brother, David (Catherine) Allen; numerous nieces and nephews including a special great niece, Megan Moody Heddon.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy (Roger) Fancher and Judith Diane Allen.
The family would like to thank Brighton Hospice Service for their care
during the last 5 months especially Brian, Kyle, Rochelle, Angels, Amy and
Kinsey.
Dr. Allen will have a graveside committal ceremony at Maplewood East Cemetery led by Pastor Serge Monperous on Saturday July 20, 2024 at 1 p.m. with a Memorial Tribute to be held in the Hardacre Ballroom at the Paramount Theatre Centre from 3-7 p.m. following the graveside on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be given to The Gruenewald Historic House, The Historic Paramount Theatre Centre, Madison County Historical Society, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, or Humane Society of Madison County.
Services are being handled by Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com