[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E34-E35]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF ROOSEVELT D. ALLEN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and the utmost 
respect that I take this time to remember a dear friend and one of 
Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Roosevelt D. Allen, Jr., Lake 
County Commissioner. On Saturday, January 9, 2016, Roosevelt Allen 
passed away at the age of 68. Commissioner Allen devoted his life to 
serving the people of Northwest Indiana, and he will be greatly missed 
by his family, friends, co-workers, and the many grateful constituents 
throughout the community whose lives he touched.
   In 1965, Roosevelt Allen graduated from Roosevelt High School in 
Gary, Indiana, before continuing his studies at Howard University. From 
there, he graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University, receiving 
a bachelor's degree in accounting, before completing graduate classes 
at DePaul University. Roosevelt went on to become a successful and 
admired funeral director for the family business, Guy & Allen Funeral 
Directors, Inc., in Gary, which has served the community for eighty 
years.
   Public service was a way of life for Commissioner Allen. He served 
the community of Northwest Indiana because he wanted to make a 
difference, and he did so with passion and enthusiasm. Roosevelt served 
on the Calumet Township Advisory Board for twenty-seven years. In 2006, 
he was elected to serve as Lake County Commissioner for the first 
district. Commissioner Allen was in his third term, and was serving as 
President of the Board of Commissioners, at the time of his passing. 
Fellow officials remember him as a true gentleman, a mentor to all, and 
an exemplary government leader. During his time in office, Roosevelt 
also served as the commissioners' representative on the Northwestern 
Indiana

[[Page E35]]

Regional Planning Commission and was chairman of the Lake County Public 
Safety Communications Commission. Throughout his lifetime, Commissioner 
Allen also served in many capacities for numerous organizations. He was 
a life member of the NAACP, member of the Lake County Democratic 
Organization, a board member of Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, 
and a board member of the Regional Bus Authority, among others. A 
faithful man, Roosevelt was a devout member of Saint Timothy Community 
Church in Gary, Indiana.
   Roosevelt Allen is survived by his beloved daughters: Lisa, LaTrice, 
and Olivia. He also leaves to cherish his memory seven beautiful 
grandchildren, many dear friends and family members, and a saddened but 
indebted community.
   Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in paying tribute to my dear friend, and a true 
public servant, Roosevelt Allen. For his tremendous contributions to 
the people of Northwest Indiana, his lifetime of service is worthy of 
the highest praise. Roosevelt's selfless and lifelong commitment to the 
people of his community will be forever remembered, and his legacy 
serves as an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________