Gary R. Allen

GARY RAY ALLEN, age 57, passed away on May 6, 2015. Little & Sons' Beech Grove Chapel hosted the visitation on Friday, May 8th & Saturday, May 9th as well as the Service on Saturday at 1:00 pm., which was officiated by Rev. Jack Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Gary was born on July 19, 1957 in Beech Grove, Indiana. He is survived by his parents; W. Ray and Anne L. Allen, his sister; Sherry Anne Allen-Yates and her children; Justin, Kyle and Autumn. He was also very close to his extended family.

Gary worked at Caterpillar Corporation in Franklin, Indiana and graduated from Waldron High School in 1975. He also graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 1989 with an Associate Degree in Automotive Service & Management, as well as a certificate for Perfect Attendance.

Gary enjoyed playing guitar with his niece, nephews and friends. He had quite a guitar collection. He loved music and musicians, especially The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Gary was an excellent artist. Even as a young boy he drew cars with amazing detail.

He loved everything about cars, motorcycles and racing, particularly stock cars and dragsters. His favorite vehicles were Harley-Davidsons and Chevrolets, especially Chevy Novas and Chevelles. His favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt and Don "Big Daddy" Garlits. In the 1990's he raced at the Indianapolis Speedrome, even winning a few. He said it was the most fun he ever had.

Gary's pride and joy was his custom 1974 Harley Sportster. It won 'Best In Class' at the 2007 Indianapolis World Of Wheels. He was a member of the International Show Car Association, NHRA and A.B.A.T.E.

His favorite recent memory was of riding Harleys to Sturgis last summer with his cousin Donnie, whom he considered a brother. He enjoyed the trip tremendously and talked about it all the time.

Gary was an independent person, straight-forward and funny. He was practical and honest. He was not very sentimental but he cared for his family, friends and even his cats, more than most people realized. He was a big personality and a big part of our lives and he will be sorely missed.