Dr. Steven Allen

Steven W. Allen, servant of Christ, completed his work on earth and was called to be with his Savior on December 23, 2020. Faithful, loving, and true to his word, Steve lived a life to honor the Kingdom. Steve was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on August 30, 1960. He grew up in Derby, Kansas, and graduated from Derby High School in 1978. He attended the University of Kansas and KU School of Medicine and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 1986. Steve then completed a pediatric residency and a pediatric cardiology fellowship at University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver.

Steve started his 25-year Pediatric Cardiology practice at The Wichita Clinic in 1992. He served many patients in Wichita and throughout the state of Kansas. He referred to those years as Heart 1.0 where he worked passionately to use his gifts and expertise to ensure patients received the best care. God called Steve to a new profession in 2015 when he joined CrossFirst Bank and later became Partner/Well-Being Champion where he was an executive strengths coach. He called this phase Heart 2.0 by using Gallup Strengths coaching to look at the heart and innate talents of his colleagues at the bank. Steve’s focus was on the wellbeing of a person. He wanted each person to use his or her strengths to become the best he or she could be to better the overall culture of the organization. “Learn it, Live it, Love it,” were words often spoken to his co-workers and mentees. Steve lived to challenge, aspire, and encourage people to be the best they can be.

His first love was God, and because he pursued a relationship with his Lord and Savior, he reflected the love that Christ has for the church in his love and devotion for his wife, Anne, of 35 joyful years (Ephesians 5:25). They pointed each other to the cross daily. With the slower pace of 2020, Anne and Steve were able to share in daily quiet times with God, reading Tabletalk devotions and praying with the Lord. After his wife, his kids, Michael and Kelsey, were his pride and joy. Steve was intentional with his family in every moment and ended each conversation with, “I love you, and I am so proud of you.” His intentionality was extended to Kelsey’s husband, Brian Kempin, whom he loved as a son. Steve had two granddaughters who were the apple of his eye. From day one, Steve claimed his Papa name proudly and was hands-on continually showing them the love of Christ. He loved time with his granddaughters, including being the best dress-up and dance partner for playtime and reading books to the girls even when the Jayhawks were playing basketball. Steve was excited for the news of his third grandchild due to arrive in June. Love for family was instilled in Steve from early on as he was loved by his Father, Jack Curtis Allen, who passed away in 2012, and his mother Bessie Evelyn. Steve loved his brother, Curtis, and sister, Diane, and brother-in-law, Doug. Growing up, they enjoyed time together fishing, boating, and working on the farm. Family was so important to Steve, and he took it upon himself to be intentional with each extended family member, including his in-laws, who he referred to as “out-laws,” and his many nieces and nephews.

Steve loved spending time with friends, and in doing so, he developed great relationships and a passion for the game of golf. He was a member of Flint Hills National where it became more than a club, but a second home. Steve would call Flint Hills “a little slice of heaven.” He loved the game, but even more, he loved the people. Steve also passed his love for the game on to his son, Michael, and they cherished the father/son time traveling to golf destinations, including Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes. Every year Steve and Michael would do an annual father/son Masters’ weekend at Flint Hills with close friends. This year it took place in November and held lasting memories shared with great friends. Steve was also known at Flint Hills for his slogan “Yes I Can,” which he said to many amazing golf trips that he talked about with such joy over the years. Through the game, he had many opportunities to invest in people while enjoying God’s beautiful countryside in Andover, Kansas.

Giving to others gave Steve such joy. Steve and Anne made it a priority to give generously to God’s Kingdom. His heart was always to grow the Kingdom through joyful giving and praying for many different people and organizations, including Hope Community Church, Ligonier Ministries, HopeNet, Navigators, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and many others.

Steve and Anne, in the last few years, started attending Hope Community Church, and Steve had made a 2021 goal to become more involved in the church. He loved how the Lord was using Hope to grow the Kingdom. Steve was very excited about the new expansion at Hope Community Church which is also where Steve’s life will be celebrated. God is good, and His plan is perfect.

A friend and mentor of Steve shared these words, “The Bible speaks over 500 times about the ‘Heart.’ God made Steve a ‘Man of the Heart!’ It was apparent in his Faith, his Family, his Friendships, and his Vocations.” Not many people get a chance at Heart 1.0 and Heart 2.0, but Steve embraced both with the heart of a servant. Through life, Steve developed some one-liners that were heard many times in conversations. “It is what it is” was one of those phrases Steve used to say that God is in control and that we will move on from here knowing what we know with a mind focused on the Kingdom. God had a plan for Steve, and it is evident Steve trusted in God’s sovereign plan.

At CrossFirst, Steve was known to sign his emails as “Onward” summarizing the verse from Philippians 3:14(ESV), “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Steve has been called heavenward, and as he is dearly missed as a husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle, and friend, his words would continue to be the exact same to us today. From the words of Doc Steve, “Onward,” continue to do the work of the Kingdom until the Lord calls you home.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be live streamed (see link below) at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 2, at Hope Community Church, 1831 E. 21st St., Andover, KS. Due to COVID, seating will be very limited. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Hope Community Church, Ligonier Ministries, and HopeNet. Please share joyful moments and memories at www.cozine.com or on his caring bridge website (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/docsteveallen).

Services by Cozine Memorial Group – Broadway Mortuary.

COVID NOTICE: Steve would be the first to say safety first for his family and friends. If you plan on attending the celebration, we ask that you wear a mask and socially distance. In these circumstances, there will not be any contact with the family before or after the celebration. The family would love to hear words of their beloved husband and dad. Please share these stories, kind words, and memorable conversations you have had with Steve either at www.cozine.com, or on the caring bridge website (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/docsteveallen).