David J. Allen, an Indiana attorney, who seemed to be everywhere in state government at times has passed away at the age of 74. (My headline comes from the in-joke at LSA confusing him with the comedian of the same name who was notable for jokes about his missing left index finger.)
To my knowledge, I had only one real encounter with the late Mr. Allen. I don’t even recall what the particular legislative issue was, only that I gave him an explanation of the statute involved and that he left expressing an intent to take various administration employees to the woodshed . . . and I was convinced he was about to do just that.
His accomplishments were legion. Among other things:
During his career in public service, he served as Administrative Assistant to Governor Matthew E. Welsh (1961-1965); counsel to Governor Roger D. Branigin (1965-1969); Transition Counsel to Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb (1969); University Counsel, Indiana State University (1969-1970); a member of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (1972 1975); counsel to the Indiana Speaker of the House (1975-1976); Special Counsel to the Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore (1977-1978); counsel to the minority party Indiana House and Senate (1979-1988); legislative counsel to Governor Evan Bayh (1989); and special counsel to Governor Frank O’Bannon (1997-2003). He was honored with the highest award given in Indiana and made a Sagamore of the Wabash by each of these Governors as well as Governor Joe Kernan.
Rest in Peace, sir.
Thank you, good night, and may your God go with you.