Allen “Alpo” Michael Poche’, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, surrounded by his loving family after a fearless and brief fight against cancer. He was 65 years of age. Survived by his life long love, Dolores Crain. He was the father of Michelle Annette Poche’ and grandfather of Jordan Perry, Brandon Abadie and London Abadie. He was the youngest son of the late Madison J. Poche’, Sr., and Alma Yaeger Poche’. Brother of Madison J. Poche’, Jr., Marcia Poche’ Plaisance and the late Ria Daigle Poche’. Also survived by three nieces, two nephews and eight great-nieces and great- nephews. Allen was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Slidell until his untimely death. Describing his extraordinary ability, beautiful sounds and personal connection to the guitar is impossible. From his many loving friends and admirers, far and wide, who were impacted by his unique talent, inspiration and spirit—rest easy.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of his life at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA, on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Donations to any musical charity of your choice, preferred, in lieu of flowers.
Ruel Pate
October 11, 2023
Was thinking of you this evening Alpo. When you passed heaven got a great talent. Miss ya my brother and friend.

Dolores Crain
May 27, 2019
There are two kinds of pain in the world: pain that hurts, and pain that changes you.
My heart is broken.
I am altered.
We all know what a great musician Allen was. He was one of the best. But if you take away that label, you just have a man- that's who I want to talk about.
The man I knew and loved for 47 years was a person I grew up and grew old with. He was my best friend, and I was his. He told me everything that was on his mind.
This man was my life long love. This man was a father to Michelle, our daughter, who we called our "bundle of joy". This man was proud and honored to be the grandfather to our grandchildren Jordan, Brandon, and London.
This man was the son of Alma and Matt Poche', whom he loved dearly: throughout their last days, he spent his free time by their bedside. He was a sibling to Madison, whom he talked fish stories with, Marcia, whom he constantly got advice from, and Ria, whom he wished had a longer life to see her children become fine adults. This man always had a smile and words of wisdom for his loved ones. This man loved his family, and thought they should come first.
The moment he'd bust through the front door, he'd shout, "Baby, I'm glad to be home!". He loved to fish on his days off, He'd get up before the crack of dawn, and rush to his favorite spot. This man was a great fish catcher, and was always willing to give his haul to those who were in need.
The man I knew made friends every where he went. He was a person you'd instantly like because of his charm, comedic commentary, and his down to earth opinions he shared.
He would go to every single art opening with me, even though visual arts was not his forte. He was always ready to jump in the car and take me on an adventure, just because we could. He invited me to gigs if he thought I would enjoy the event. He schemed with me about "retiring", and travelling to see parts of the country on a dime.
I loved this man, who saw me through my hard times, as I did for him in return. I loved this person, who would ask my opinion on every major decision he made, even though we may have disagreed.
I loved this man.
The musician was just a part of him. If he had never picked up an instrument, I would have loved him still. If I could have brought Allen home from the hospital, I would have fed him, bathed him, and held him up to get to the other side of the room- just as he would do for me.
I thought we could beat this and have more time together.
I leave you with these final words: There is a Jewish saying that states, "You die twice. You die once, when you breathe your last breath, but the second time you die is when your name isn't spoken anymore."
I ask you to say his name. Say it often. Say it once in a while.
Allen, I love you.
I am missing you.
You are a great man.
Jim Guidroz
May 23, 2019
It is hard for me to think of you as gone, as you have always been a part of me and you will always hold a place in my heart. I thought of you often and recently spoke of you to a colleague telling them about my cousin the musician.
I was lucky to have you as a cousin and friend.
You will be missed.
Your comrade in mischief.
Jimmy Guidroz
Gary Edwards
May 21, 2019
I opened my store, "IS MUSIC INC" in Chalmette in December, 1974, intended to sell only records & tapes. Soon I had to go back into the musical instrument business. I am assuming that in 1975+ I sold Allen (AlPo) a guitar, maybe his first. Chalmette had LOTS of guitar players during that period. The list is quite long. AlPo's personality made him one of my favorite customers. For my recording productions at my studio, I tried to get AlPo into as many as possible. He did a fantastic job on the G.G. Shinn album "You Can Never Keep A Good Man Down." Allen did all of the guitar tracks, giving each song exactly what was needed. We had a good time, just me and him in my studio, laughing all the way! Allen also played guitar on the JB Davis album, great piece of work. Earlier this year, I asked Allen to help me with a project to re-make a "country type" song into a more "R&B" type arrangement. Allen came into SuiteMix Studio with a prepared drum track, guitar parts, and sang the song. The New Orleans MYSTICS were amazed at the clever way Allen had worked the song into a "danceable" piece. The used his arrangement on their version. I never got around to producing an album on Allen, something I dearly regret. This year has seen the passing of two of my good friends: G.G. Shinn and Allen Poche'. God bless them both.
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Al and I @the Famous Door on Bourbon St.when he played there.RIP.my buddy will miss you especially Christmas time.
Andrew Johnson
May 21, 2019
My buddy I knew him through Cypress a band i'm friends with.Al was a cool and awesome friend.I will miss him dearly.RIP.my buddy.
Andrew Johnson
May 21, 2019
I knew Al through Cypress really sorry he was an awesome friend
Sherry Tassin
May 20, 2019
What a great guy and wonderful musician many great memories listening to you play and you always had a smile and a joke RIP Alpo heavens band just gained another member prayers and thoughts to the family on your loss
Allan Harang
May 20, 2019
It was a great honor, and a wonderful joy , to share the stage with such a artist. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thanks for everything- Alpo..
William Moore
May 20, 2019
It was my good fortune to meet Al in the early 1970's, when he was with the Wing Brothers. They called themselves that because they lived in Wing, Alabama. These were interesting times for sure. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be his friend. My deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
Michael Carballo
May 19, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Allen was our second Guitar Player in our Band The Premiers, which featured some Great Musicians such as Dennis Wilson/ currently Band Director for Burt Bachrach, Billy Elliers, Teddy Hackstead (Deceased), George Rouse, Pete Venturella (Deceased) and Myself. When he started with us in 1966, he was just 13 years old. The rest of the band was 15 and 16 years old. Allen turned out to be one of (if not) The Best Guitar Players in Louisiana. He will not be Forgotten by anyone who knew and had the Pleasure of Performing with Him. God Bless and Accept Allen into The Greatest Band in the World, where he will be playing along side some Great Musicians in HEAVEN.
Keith Lee
May 18, 2019
It was a rare honor and pleasure to play with you. Keith Lee loves you Allen.
Bob Pieczyk
May 18, 2019
Whether it was his dry sense of humor or the lyrical and beautiful phrasing of his guitar virtuosity, one knew immediately you were in the presence of a special and unique person. I spent many joyous hours with Allen on beautiful Santa Rosa Island. I will miss him. God bless. Bob Pieczyk
Steve Gunter
May 17, 2019
Just wanted to extend my sympathies to all of the family. Heartbroken about this. Always loved Alan and certainly loved playing music with him. He was an absolute monster on the guitar even when I first heard him. He was probably only seventeen at the time! One of the greatest bands I was ever in was with him. I wish the best for all of his family and send my love to you all.
John Etheridge
May 17, 2019
Allen, you will always be a part of my musical spirit. Thank you for being my good friend, and sharing your incredible musical skill and feelings with me, and the rest of the world!
Mario Sperandeo
May 15, 2019
Rest In Peace Alpo. It's truly an honor to have had you sit in with us for Slidell Arts Evening and all the other times we crossed paths. You've reached eternal peace.
Ronny Miller
May 15, 2019
It was an honor and a pleasure to have made music with you over the years. Your singing and playing will forever remain in my heart and soul now go rest high on that mountain my dear friend
Mary Bacandreas Gentile
May 15, 2019
All my hugs
All my love
My heart weeps
My deepest sympathy
Bobbie Storm
May 15, 2019
You will be missed by me and the entire music community in Charleston SC who had the privilege of hearing your talented guitar performances. I was one of the singers that adored Als musical abilities.... I will miss you
Michael Margiotta
May 15, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Allen was a beautiful person and one of the most talented musicians that Ive the pleasure of working with. He will be missed immensely in the New Orleans musical family. RIP Alpo.
May 14, 2019
Sorry for your Loss may the God of comfort be with you at this time and may the memories that you have stay with you forever
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