Matthew Elam Allen

1980 - 2021

Matthew Elam Allen
August 14, 1980 - May 15, 2021
Fort Walton Beach, Florida - Matthew Elam Allen, age 40, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2021 due to cardiac arrest. Matthew was born in Wichita, Kansas to Jimmy Elam Allen and Sena Dill. In 1987, Jimmy Elam passed away. In 1994, James Allen adopted him and enjoyed a close father/son relationship for the remainder of his life. Matthew resided in several states during his forty years: Kansas, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, and Florida. Fort Walton Beach became his hometown which he will rest in peace. Matthew's presence was magnetic. He attracted people so easily, he was thoughtful with his words, trustworthy to do the right thing, happy-go-lucky, easy to get along with, and warm hearted to his friends. Matthew was so loved by many. He earned his Eagle Scout award in Troop-84 and high school diploma at South Mecklenburg in Charlotte, NC. Through the encouragement of his Papa and Dad, Matthew enlisted in the Air Force. Starting in 2003, he served as an F-15 Avionics Specialist at Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina in the 335th AMU, 4th AMXS, 4th Fighter Wing. Matthew continued his service in 2007 at Eglin AFB, Florida at the 58th AMU, 33rd AMXS, 33rd Fighter Wing, as well as the 46th AMXS, 46th Test Wing. Matt retired honorably in 2014.
He is survived by his parents, James and Sena Allen of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Kristel Grodeska (Lawrence) of San Francisco, CA; brother, James Allen III (Aurora), of Mission Viejo, CA; brother, John David Crabtree (Amanda) of Tulsa, OK. His parents want to extend their deepest gratitude to the Fort Walton Beach/Eglin community of friends and comrades. The love they have covered us with is the most beautiful experience of this most unfortunate loss.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, May 22nd Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd. NW, Fort Walton Beach 32547 followed by a funeral service at 2pm. Interment will immediately follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Expressions of love and sympathy can be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.