Ermal Allen Jr Obituary (1939 - 2016)

Ermal Allen, Jr. age 76,a life long resident of Alexandria, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Countryside Manor Health Care Center. Jr. was born on July 22, 1939, in Alexandria to Ermal and Mildred (Barth) Allen. Jr. joined the Alexandria Fire Department in the mid 1960's, and also served as a Deputy Sheriff of Madison County during this time. During this time Jr. attended many seminars on continuing education on arson investigations. The seminar that was most special to Jr.was held in CoCoa Beach, FL in 1972. Upon completion of this seminar he received a congratulatory telegram from President Nixon and was given a high level clearance to inspect Apollo 16 before lift off. Later that year Jr. was elected to the Board of Directors on the International Association of Arson Investigators. Jr. continued his education in arson investigation at the University of Kentucky, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, and Camp Atterbury. During this time he worked for the city of Alexandria as a fire fighter, building inspector and arson investigator, becoming Captain of the department in 1974. In 1975 Jr. was recognized as "Fireman of the Year". He then served as Assistant Fire Chief from 1975-1978, before retiring in 1985. After his retirement he began working for the Madison County Coroners Office as a deputy coroner, and worked with the office for almost 30 years. Jr. attended continuing education with the State Coroners Training Board and earned his certification as a Certified Legal Medical Death Investigator, an accomplishment that he was proud to receive. Jr. worked up until he his heart surgery in December 2015, never turning down a call. Jr. loved public service and was respected by those who worked with him. He enjoyed drinking tea with friends and colleagues, and discussing politics and old cases. Jr. will be fondly remembered for helping many young kids in the county. He was always looking out for kids who needed guidance, love, shelter or just someplace to ride 4-wheelers and sit around the bonfire and talk. He was generous to a fault, and would help others without thinking twice about himself. Jr. is survived by his Daughter, Terri Smith, Son, Jeff Allen, Sister, Roseanna Duffitt, Brothers, Larry, Ralph, and Donnie Allen, Several Nieces & Nephews. Ermal was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mildred Tucker. Services celebrating Jr.'s life will be conducted at 6:00 pm Monday, February 22, 2016, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood, with Anderson Police Department, and dear friend, Chaplin Gary McCaslin officiating. Visitation will be Monday, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Burn House Foundation through the funeral home.