Allen Wm. Meyerrose

Allen Wm. Meyerrose, 87, passed away peacefully in his Atlanta home surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years and his family.  Allen was born November 29, 1931 to Elmer Wm. and Esther Rebecca (Bonke) Meyerrose, who spent hours in the kitchen with Allen, teaching him how to cook.  They precede him in death along with his sister Betty Jane Craig.

A graduate of The Arsenal Technical High School and a member of the Letterman’s Club, Allen was known to reminisce fondly on his Football and Track & Field participation there.  As the 1950 State Champion in the 440-Yard Dash and holder of the Indianapolis City Long Jump record for twenty-one years, he was inducted into Tech’s Athlete’s Hall of Fame in 2010.  Additionally, Allen was presented Tech’s Hanson H. Anderson Award for Public Service.  Allen went on to graduate from Indiana Central College (University of Indianapolis), and received his Master’s Degree from Butler University.

Mr. Meyerrose, as he was known to thousands of students, began his thirty-five year career in education as a teacher at Cicero Elementary then as a teacher and coach at Jackson Central High School in Arcadia, IN, after which he became the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Highland High School in Anderson, IN.  Apast President of the Indiana Association of School Principals, Mr. Meyerrose’s career came full circle as he returned to Hamilton Heights High School (formerly Jackson Central) and retired from there in 1991.

Allen saw the light of Free Masonry and joined Hinkle Lodge #310, F. & A. M.  His other masonic memberships included the York Rite bodies of Noblesville where he served as Illustrious Master.  Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, Murat Shrine Temple and Cicero Eastern Star round out the masonic heritage he passed down to his family.  Allen was an esteemed member of each group for more than fifty years.

Allen married his high school sweetheart, Madonna Lee Park, on October 21, 1951.  They built and lived in their country home for more than fifty years, which has always served as a welcoming “home base” for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, near and far. With gatherings defined by large family dinners, raucous card games and pool parties, summer nights held the promise of a truly grand finale for any occasion, as Pappaw often delighted the entire family with a backyard fireworks display.    

Vacations in the early years included tent camping with their family at many state parks. In their retirement, the Meyerroses enjoyed traveling all over the world, including trips to the Caribbean, South Pacific and Europe. No matter where their travels took them, they were always excited to return home to their family and his beloved German Shepherds.

In addition to his beautiful wife, Madonna, Allen is survived by his son, Dale (Linda) Meyerrose, Colorado Springs, CO, daughters Donna Beth (Mike) Rutledge, Atlanta, IN, Dee Ann (Rick) Rietz, Atlanta, IN , Dawn (Greg) Chiles, Carmel, IN; Grandchildren, Julia Hamilton, Laura Meyerrose, Alexandra Lewin, Nathan Rutledge, Brock Rutledge, Levi Rutledge, Adam Rietz, Erin York, Allison Chiles, Madison Moreland: Step Grand Daughter; Great Grandchildren, Kylie Hamilton, Danielle Hamilton, Samantha Lewin, Joanna Lewin, Braden Rutledge, Bria Rutledge, Gabriel Allen Rietz, Brynna Rietz.

Allen attended the East Union Christian Church, 1711 E 296th Street, Atlanta, IN  46031, where calling will be Tuesday, October 22nd from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Eastern Star Services will be at 7:00 PM followed by Masonic Rites.  Rev. Mark Knapp will officiate Allen’s celebration of life on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.  Graveside services will be at the Arcadia Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen’s former students and dear friends at Hartley Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, Allen and Madonna request memorial contributions be made payable to: “GAR Supplemental Needs Trust,” which supports the special needs of Gabriel Allen Rietz, ensuring the continued care and developmental assistance of Allen’s great-grandson and namesake.  Checks may be sent to Hartley’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 407, Cicero, IN  46034.  You may send condolences to http://www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com.

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