IN HR0022

Honors the life of Pastor David J. Allen, born David Almazan Jr. in 1955 in East Chicago, who passed away after dedicating his life to community service and ministry

Pastor Allen graduated from Washington High School in three years and attended Purdue University, studying Communications, Radio, Newspaper Journalism, and Real Estate

Worked nearly 20 years with Midland Communications in Chicago, served as consultant to the Archdiocese of Chicago developing a bilingual Catholic newspaper, and became a real estate broker in Highland, Indiana in 1997

Served in political roles including assistant and spokesman to East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick, and began pastoral work under Bishop Frank Munsey at Family Christian Center of Munster

Dedicated significant ministry efforts to Indiana's Spanish-speaking community through fundraising, supporting Hispanic business owners, and mentoring young Hispanic community leaders