Allen Francis Mattis

Allen Francis Mattis, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Anita, and son, Jacob (Rachel), by his side. Allen is also survived by his three grandchildren, Isabella, Benjamin, and Joshua, and preceded in death by his son, Daniel Lee Mattis, of blessed memory. Born in Spooner, Wisconsin, Allen grew up to leave the state, attend Rutgers University, and obtain his PhD in geology, after completing a thesis that took him to Morocco for months of research. While in school, he and Anita met, fell in love, then began their life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where both of their sons were born. His work then took them to Houston, Texas, where he lived the remainder of his days. An avid storyteller, he loved to reminisce about growing up in northern Wisconsin, his college years, his time in Morocco, his service in the United States Navy, and even the daily adventures of office life for a geologist in the 1980s. Passionate about many pursuits, he was very active with his synagogue, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, an accomplished ham radio operator, and volunteered much of his time in Houston’s museum and theater districts. Well-traveled, but equally appreciative of a night at home grilling hamburgers and watching reruns, he was loved and will be very missed. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at the Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055. The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b. A luncheon will follow the service at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, Texas 77096. A shiva ceremony and reception will also take place Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, Texas 77096. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Congregation Beth Yeshurun Tree of Life Simcha Celebration, www.bethyeshurun.org/payment.php, or a charity of your choice.

Allen Francis Mattis

May 3, 1947 - May 26, 2026