Area Obituaries
Daniel Frederick Allen, 63, of Sumner, Illinois passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, in Vincennes, Indiana after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He is now with his heavenly Father. He was born June 15, 1960, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Chester Harold Allen and Betty Belcher Allen. He was a faithful member of the Congregational Christian Church in Sumner and was a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union, Local 8 out of Illinois. His occupations included the B;O Railroad from 1978-1981; Bridwell Construction from 1983-1988; and BAC Union Local 8 from 1988-2014 until he became disabled. Danny was considered an outstanding bricklayer and was especially skilled in using a cutting saw. Some of the local projects he worked on included the Lawrence Correctional Center (prison), Lawrenceville High School, and the new home of Lawrence County Health Department (formerly United Methodist Village-North Campus). Other jobs included working on homes, hospitals, industrial buildings, and refineries (including the Robinson Marathon Refinery). Danny married Julie Baines on June 28, 1980, in Olney, Illinois. They had two sons, William “Bill” and Jacob. He was active in helping them perfect their sports over the years. He enjoyed not only helping his own sons but their teammates as well. He volunteered to tape ankles, keep score, grill food, and work on the field. Danny enjoyed various hobbies including hunting, fishing, and target practice. He spent his later years spending time with his family, friends, and church family. Participating in church activities, feeding his bluebirds, and watching his grandkids play sports were very joyous activities for him. Danny was preceded in death by: his father- Chester Allen: one niece- Sheika Al-Khuzaei: one sister- Rebekah VanGrinsven: and one brother-in-law- Tom VanGrinsven. Surviving relatives besides his wife and sons include: three grandsons- Brett, Jordan, and Justin: one step-grandson- Mason Jones: mother- Betty Allen of Bridgeport: two brothers- John and Robert Allen of Bridgeport: three sisters- Deborra Allen of Bridgeport; Donna (Abdul Monem Al-Khuzaei) Abas of Doha, Qatar; and Beth (Eric) Lee of Gahanna, Ohio. Daniel will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He always had time to talk to anyone including strangers. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Bridgeport City Cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Homes is assisting the family during their time of loss. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions can be made to the family to offset medical and funeral costs. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
