Allen Lee White

Allen White passed away peacefully at IU North Hospital on May 2, 2022 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born an Army brat in Germany, to Allen “Sarge” White, Sr., and Ruth Ann (Brown) White on April 13, 1955. Allen grew up with his sister, Brenda Johnson, in Shelbyville, IN, and was referred to, in his youth, as “Junior” and as “Uncle Jun” by his nephews Todd and Trent Pruitt. The nickname made him cringe until his final days, but it never failed to get his attention. Allen is survived by his daughter, Ashley White Johnson, grandson, Breckin White, son in law, Jamie Johnson, and the love of his life Lori Cadell. Allen is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and nephew, Christopher.

Allen had the good fortune of growing up with a group of friends he loved like brothers, Warren Good, John Kimbrell, Jesse Richmond and John Richmond. The group’s youthful shenanigans were legendary around Shelbyville. Allen attended St. Joseph Elementary and Catholic Church where he was an altar boy and as a surprise to many, considered joining the priesthood. Allen attended Shelbyville High School until he was invited to leave school after a prank with Mr. Kimbrell that involved gathering every real estate sign they could find in the greater Shelbyville area and lining them up on the school’s front lawn. He later obtained his GED and in a twist befitting his individuality, later went on to become a Real Estate agent himself. Allen was a man of many talents, and had a true appreciation for the hustle. Allen also worked as a photographer, at a record store, and as a machinist at KCL, Eli Lilly, and PK.

Allen took on another great role in his life when he became the father to his daughter, Ashley. Allen and Ashley shared an incredible bond and were carbon copies of each other in both looks and personality. Ashley was his pride and joy and the collection of pictures in his wallet was only one of the ways he made darn sure to let everyone know. Allen's kindness and empathy for his fellow humans, strong beliefs in social justice, and his insistence that Ashley be exposed to strong women throughout her life led her to a career in social work. Watching Ashley achieve her educational goals by graduating with Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in social work were among his most fulfilling moments as a parent.

While Allen was a strict parent that exposed his daughter to the arts, sports, and yearly trips to Virginia Beach, his views on parenting were forever changed when he became Poppaw to his only grandchild, Breckin White. The quintessential “don’t tell your mom” grandfather; Allen and Breckin had many adventures together including beach trips and ice cream for breakfast. He was Breckin’s biggest fan and the feeling was absolutely mutual. Allen was extremely proud of the young man that Breckin is becoming.

Allen lived most of his life in Shelbyville until he surprised his friends and family with a move to Carmel that brought him together with his partner Lori and to be closer to his daughter and her family. Lori Cadell was the love of his life and partner. Though they found each other later in life, they were able to fit a lot of wonderful things in life together including travel, concerts, and spending time with Lori’s children and grandchildren. Allen was an expert in tea parties and dress up. After all, someone has to be Rapunzel. Allen expressed his gratitude for Lori by stating how thankful he was for her providing a soft spot for him to land.

Allen’s passion for live music was another thing he shared with friends and family. If a show was worth going to, then it was worth getting the “good” seats; not the lawn. From Tom Petty’s last show at the Hollywood Bowl to every last Rolling Stones retirement, Allen made sure that he and his partners in crime Wade Lewis, Bud Nugent, Mike Yancer, and Rick Gustafson were somewhere in the crowd. Outside of concerts, Allen was a fan of fellowship, good food and could be found with his friends Daryl, Erron, Dave, Robert, Bob, and of course Bob; all of whom he dearly loved.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 2-4 PM, with a service beginning at 4 PM at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana. Per Allen's request, this is not to be a somber affair. To honor his wish, we ask that you come in concert tee-shirts to celebrate Allen’s love of music. Please join us in celebrating his life with a small ceremony with light refreshments and music.

Please visit the Leppert Mortuary website to share a condolence or memory. www.leppertmortuary.com.

In place of flowers, we ask that donations in Allen’s name be made to the following organizations:

Allen received excellent care during his cancer journey with Dr. Helft and IU Health Hospice: Gifts to the Ruth Lilly Hospice Fund (#1608) supports inpatient hospital services. The donor would need to note somewhere in a check memo or note that the gift is designated to “Ruth Lilly Hospice Fund (1608)”

“Simon Cancer Assistance Fund (1201).” Dr. Helft’s patients can receive services from this fund that provides families living with cancer and cancer treatment the financial assistance they need.

Allen believed in equitable healthcare practice and was proud of the work that his daughter, Ashley, does at IU Health LifeCare as this clinic strives to provide patients with equitable care during their journey with HIV. Gifts to the HIV LifeCare Clinic (#1455) provides emergency patient and clinical financial assistance.

Memorial contributions like this can be made by sending a gift to IU Health Foundation (IU Health Foundation, PO Box 775589, Chicago, IL 60677). Checks can be made payable to IU Health Foundation or made online at https://www.iuhealthfoundation.org/donate. Please note the fund name that you are donating to in memory of Allen White.

Allen was a believer in music education and how it changes life. Donations can be made in memory of Allen White to Indiana Jazz Educators Association, that will go towards student programs like All District Jazz Band, All State Jazz Band, All state jazz combo (at the indy jazz fest), and Indiana Jazz Girls Day. Donations can be sent via paypal to [email protected]. Please note In memory of Allen White in the payment.