Andrew Madden

Andrew "Andy" Jacob Madden, 37, passed away unexpectedly on April 9, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. A beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and doctor, he was a loving, kind, generous, empathetic, and compassionate soul to all who knew him.

Andy was born in Columbia, MO, on August 27, 1986. The oldest of three children, he grew up in the Houston suburb of Kingwood, TX. Following in his father's footsteps, Andy played ice hockey growing up (yes, in Texas). Many weekends were spent at various ice rinks around Houston with his parents and two younger sisters (who were likely complaining).

Sarcasm and quick wit found Andy at an early age. In a story now infamously known amongst the Madden family, he once asked an elementary school teacher for a pencil, to which she politely instructed him to check in his desk; Andy walked away muttering (quite audibly), "Well, she was a big help." You see, in Andy's mind, he would have never been so ridiculous as to ask without first checking his desk. Though many came to know and love Andy for his sharp wit, he was also known for his intelligence. In his early years, he would often ace tests and quizzes in classes that he never bothered to complete homework for. In fact, there were times he never even brought the homework home; he saw "busy work" as tedious. While some may have questioned young Andy's work ethic, no one could argue his brilliance.

After graduating from Kingwood High School, Andy took his talents to the University of Texas, where he studied Biology. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2012. A close friend described him as one of the smartest in their class, and it's clear Andy found a spark in Pharmacy School that would ignite his passion to excel in what became his lifelong profession in the field of clinical cancer research. He held positions as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. At the time of his passing, Andy served as an Investigational Drugs Pharmacist at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Andy was a man of many talents. He was an avid snow skier, who loved photography, watching movies (which he also LOVED to quote), telling silly jokes and puns, and going out to support his favorite teams at various sporting events. He also became a fabulous cook with a flair for spicy stir-fries that were second to none. The greatest talent he will be remembered for is his ability to lift everyone around him higher, no matter the situation.

Andy was incredibly loyal, and once you gained trust, you were part of his inner circle, an extended family who would forever be connected to him. He touched many lives during his far too short time on Earth. He will live on through those he impacted in both his personal and professional lives. His close friends and family describe him as the person who was always there for those in need, a friend with pure humility and kindness and a contagious laugh. Together, they had great times snow skiing, cycling, hiking, golfing, running, lifting weights, playing basketball, softball, football, vacationing, studying, or just sitting and talking about life. Andy was so well-loved by his friends that many of their children refer to him as "Uncle Andy."

Andy is survived by his mother, Margaret "Peggy"; father and stepmother, Timothy (Mary); sisters and brother-in-laws Colleen Murrell (Jeremiah) and Amy (Jonathan Coleman); nieces and nephew, Adeline, Anita, Ezra, and Elias Murrell; as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, and close friends.

A viewing will be held Saturday, April 20 in Albuquerque, NM at French Funeral Home (7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109) from 3-6 PM.

Further services will be held in St. Louis, Missouri at Lupton Chapel (7233 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130). A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 24 from 4-7 PM, and a prayer service will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 10 AM; interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wings of Hope (St. Louis, MO), wingsofhope.ngo, or to a meaningful charity of choice in remembrance of Andy.