Allen was born November 5, 1954 in Lafayette to the late Andrus Duhon and the late Nelvie LeBlanc Duhon and was one of five children born to that union. He was raised in a family steeped in Cajun heritage and faith. Through his years and from an early age, Allen Dale, as he was known by family and friends, knew the value of hard work and taking care of his family. He was a jack of all trades and skilled in shrimping, agriculture and carpentry. His knowledge in agriculture and gardening was beneficial while working with the largest cucumber farm in the state of Louisiana. He also spent some time shrimping as well. But his main career was with McIlhenny Company as a carpenter where he retired with 23 faithful years of service.
When not working, Allen enjoyed tending to his cattle and own garden. He had a half acre, planted with a large variety of vegetables. He was an excellent cook, as was his father and grandfather before him. And his sons carry that tradition of great men cooks in the family.
Another of his favorite pastimes was taking trips with Gale on his Harley Davidson. Gale and the boys recalled the time he and Gale rode the Harley on a two week trip to the Florida Keys, going completely around the Florida coastline and back home. Other places they visited were Tennessee and the famous Dragon’s Tail stretching from Tennessee to North Carolina. For relaxation, Allen spent time watching Food Network (his favorite chef was Anthony Bourdain) and watching old westerns with his grandson Addison, especially John Wayne.
Above all, his greatest love was for his family and the time spent with them. He leaves a legacy of love and will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate to have known him.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 49 years, Beverly Gale Schlicher Duhon; his sons, Coy James Duhon (Edie D. Duhon) and Scott Rene’ Duhon (Reneda Martin); his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Kelli Renee Duhon, Reese James Duhon and Addison Rudy Duhon; his great granddaughter, Vivian Grace Benoit; and his loyal and beloved dog, Harley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrus Duhon and Nelvie LeBlanc Duhon; his sister, Sharline Duhon; and his brother-in-law, Barry Rodrigue.
Funeral services celebrating Allen’s life will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home at 11:00 am Monday, December 13, 2021. Deacon Marty Cannon will be the celebrant. Following services, Allen will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Sunday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm, with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the rosary at 7:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Monday from 8:00 am until time of services.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Reese Duhon, Addison Duhon, Elrey Duhon, Kip White, Nelson Boutte and Lynn Rogers.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Allen’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
