Stephen Chesshir Allen

Stephen Chesshir Allen, 59, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on November 26, 2025. Born on April 11, 1966, in Seoul, Korea to missionary parents, Steve dedicated his life to serving others. He graduated from Abilene Christian University and, alongside his wife, Samantha, spent 16 years as a missionary in Bangkok, Thailand, where they welcomed six children and one adopted daughter from China.

After returning to the U.S. in 2007, Steve continued his ministry work with Mission International, Caleb Company, and Contend Global. Following his ALS diagnosis in 2015, he exceeded all expectations, authoring four books, coaching, discipling, and helping to launch 10,000 Fathers. His passion for fathering and mentoring endured until his final days.

Steve is preceded in death by his daughters, Bethany and Jezreel; his father, Sidney Allen; and in-laws, Larry and Carolyn White.

Steve is survived by his wife, Samantha; children, Michael (Hannah), Kanaan (Nicole), Southern, Isaiah, and Tirza; his mother, Jenetta; his siblings, David (Michelle) and Laura; and five grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Belmont Church, 68 Music Square E, Nashville, TN 37203 on January 3, 2026, at 2 p.m., with a dinner reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helping Hands Ministries Inc. to assist with medical and funeral costs. If you would like to give towards his legacy of raising up fathers, you can give below to 10,000 Fathers.

Link to Helping Hands: https://hhmin.org/charities/steve-allen-medical-fund/

Link to 10,000 Fathers: https://www.raisingupfathers.com/donate