Allen Putnam

Allen Putnam, 60, of West Lafayette, formerly of Frankfort, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at IU Health Arnett in Lafayette. He was born July 30, 1963, in Punta Gorda, Florida to Lawrence and Lois (Heft) Putnam. 

He was a 1981 graduate of Warsaw Central High School in Warsaw, New York.  He received a culinary arts degree in Schenectady, New York.  He worked as a short order cook for many years.  Restaurants he worked for included Hicks & McCarty in New York and worked for Hoops and the Downtown Diner in Frankfort and the Indiana Veteran’s Home in Lafayette.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR, playing golf, and fishing.  His love for cooking was not just at work.  He enjoyed exploring and trying new twists on dishes with his family.  He loved the Grateful Dead and considered himself a “Deadhead.” 

He is survived by his sister, Bobbi Smith; children, Erin Shelton and Nathan (Janelle) Shelton; and granddaughter, Luna McDonald; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Kathleen Putnam, Jill Traynor, and Randy Putnam.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Diner, 253 N Columbia Street, Frankfort.  Day & Genda Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.