Anderson Ward Allen

Anderson Ward Allen – Born Nov. 25, 1984, passed away Dec. 11, 2023

Andy had a wild and wonderful life of extraordinary highs and extraordinary lows.  His sister Hannah noted that he had more excitement in his little finger than most people have in their whole body. 

Growing up, Andy established his ground early on – always striving to be the best, pushing his limits.  He was incredibly talented with high academic aptitude, a creative artist, talented athlete, and a lot of charm with others. 

Following adolescent struggles with substance use and treatment, Andy enjoyed over a dozen years in recovery.  He helped launch The Last House, https://thelasthouse.net/ a well-respected Sober Living Community in the Los Angeles area.  He loved the work, he was proud to create brotherhood, encourage and coach others in recovery, find joy in sports. At a recent Last House celebration of his life and legacy, dozens of strong young men and families showed up from near and far to share memories and appreciation for Andy’s part in their own journey of recovery.

 And sports – don’t dis Ohio State University football or LeBron playing basketball.  Andy would argue fiercely about their superiority.  And in LA he played in a very competitive community basketball league as part of The Grit Squad.  Andy climbed Mt. Whitney twice – the highest mountain in the lower 48. 

Andy and Caitlin Mathias were two peas in a pod – their lives and stories seemed to match perfectly – beautiful people with glitches along the way, that found their paths and each other.  “We got sober together in our early 20s, just babies in a new city, in a new state [Los Angeles]. Over the past 13 years he became my best friend, my lover, my fierce debater, my spouse, our son’s father.”  And Wyatt, just over one year, is their legacy.  

Andy is survived by son Wyatt Mathias Allen and Caitlin Mathias Allen, sister Hannah Allen McCoy, and parents Crystal Ward Allen and David Lee Allen.

Thank you so much for all the love and care you have shown our family.  We are especially grateful for shared memories and impact.  Know that each and every one of us is enough – please support each other, even when we fall.  

Andy Allen’s life will be honored and celebrated Sat, Feb 10, 2024, 1 pm at First Community Church North, 3777 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH.  All are invited.

If you would like to honor Andy’s life, an account has been established: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/anderson-andy-allen

with all proceeds going to support Wyatt’s future.  Or contact Crystal Allen if you would prefer to send funds directly to a College Advantage 529 account.

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the family.