John Wallace was a retired WWII naval veteran; he received the Silver Starr while serving on the USS COD submarine in the South Pacific and China Seas. He was a man of great service; to his family, the communities where he lived and his country in a time of war.

After WWII, John graduated from Purdue University with an Electrical Engineering degree. He served many large mining and manufacturing companies in the US and abroad.

John was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years. As he matured his connection with nature encouraged him to just observe rather than to hunt or fish. His last 23 years were spent here in Estes Park. He built his home then became known as the friendly man waving at passersby under his American flag. His pal and loyal dog T-Bone was always by his side. When he wasn't waving, he could be found sitting at his table writing poetry. During his last five years, he and his good friend Kris Jacobs produced a book of his best one hundred poems called Mountain Men. Read more about this very special man in Victor Anderson's 'Easy Ride Pard' article in the Friday, August 14th Inside & Out.

John died peacefully in his sleep at his home with his lifelong family friend Al Wilson and caregiver Ruth Heinen by his side. John was under the compassionate and loving care of Hospice of Estes Valley and Dr. Guy Vander Werf of Estes Park Medical Center.

John is survived by two nephews, Pat Overman of Giddings, TX and Scott Overman of Marion, IN. He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, his parents, Saxon and Esther Wallace and sister Shirley Overman.

At John's request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. We will have a celebration of John's life for friends and family on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 11:00am at Sweet Basilico for a light lunch and cash bar. For those interested in knowing John's final resting place, we will meet at Estes Valley Memorial Gardens at 10:00am.

Memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Hospice of Estes Valley, NPR Radio, or the Pet Association of Estes Park c/o Allnutt Funeral Service, 1302 Graves Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Estes Park Trail-Gazette on Aug. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wallace

Sponsored by Allnutt Funeral Service – Estes Park Chapel.

6 Entries

March 6, 2016

As Johns Neighbor 3 houses down on Fish Creek Road--I first met him under our flag with him doing the wave--and His loyal Dog "T" bone--Both Became very close to me. I was privileged to Know who John really was , --He was the Grandson Of the Famous- Governor of New Mexico-- Lew Wallace--who wrote "Ben Hur"--John Told me when he was little he walked into a candle lit room and his grandfather was sleeping with a writing instrument in hand , head on table with papers around him spread about. The 30-30- rifle that hung on the wall belonged to his Grand Father and John had it restored to original condition by a group in Colorado- In the Small bedroom Hung A Trophy Set of Elk Antlers--These Antlers are in the top 100 largest for Colorado and are pictured on the Elk with John in a Book about the top 100 trophy Elk.--I miss Him
And the Stories he told me --The Poems he wrote and his Adventures in the Silent Service aboard the USS COD

Barbara Norwood

January 12, 2016

John was a neighbor on Fish Creek Rd. and his picture to this day on his porch with his dog "T-Bone" still sits on a shelf by an American Flag.
His poems always arrived in letters and sometimes the "letter" was a poem.
John had a elk rack on a wall that matched the likes of the R.M.N.P. "Samson".
Thank you John for great memories.
Salute!

October 14, 2015

very saddened to hear of johns passing .He was alaways a good friend to me.Eaven after my dog bit him .Rest in peace john Alaways your friend Patrick B. Dunagan

September 11, 2015

Such sad news, Al and Ruth thank you for allowing me the chance to meet this extraordinary man. I will be forever blessed with his kind words and deeds. He made a very large impact on my life. With sincere sympathy, Darlene Bassetti

August 24, 2015

Rest in peace John! Your friendship and hard work were always appreciated at Saint Malo!

Blake Fischer

Nick Nichols

August 14, 2015

To the Wallace Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on John's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and John will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin, a member of our Greatest Generation, and a great Patriot.

RTC(SS) John Wallace
US Navy WWII Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain

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